Cemetery Sunday - Angels Hovering

There are angels hovering around.

Inscription found at St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead Berkshire.


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Arthur William and William Herbert - Infant Sons of James and Jane Osborne

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

Monument to Arthur William and William Herbert Osborne, infant sons of James and Jane Osborne, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

 

"In sweet remembrance of Arthur William infant son of James and Jane Osborne who died March 15th 1865 aged seven months - In hope of a joyful resurrection - Also William Herbert Osborne."

 

 

Arthur William Osborne was born in the August of 1864 to James Osborne, a baker, and his wife Jane Mary Charman.

 

William Herbert was born and died in 1872.

 

James Osborne had married Jane Mary Charman in Maidenhead in 1856.  They first child Henry James was born in 1858, closely followed by Louisa in 1859, Alice Mary in 1860, Georgina Emily in 1862, Florence Alexandra in 1864, Charles in 1866, John Aubry in 1868, Sarah Jane in 1870 and Frederick George in 1873.

 

It must have been devastating for James and Jane to have lost two children in infancy.

 

Sadly in 1875 James was to pass away, leaving Jane with no means of support and several children to look after.  It seems that by 1881 the family had been split up.

 

In 1881 Henry James is working as a baker for Hannah Mitchell in Chobham, Surrey.  Georgina Emily is living with her sister Louisa and her husband James Sendamore in Shorditch, London.  Florence Alexandra is working as a barmaid at The Ship Public House in Southwark, London.  Later on 23rd April 1883, she marries Edwin Watson.  Charles aged just 15 is a solicitor's clerk, boarding at 17 Dame Street in Islington, London with Charles and Jane Cawley. John Aubry Osborne is a scholar at Royal British Orphan Asylum in Slough Berkshire.  Sarah Jane, now known as Jane is lodging with the McCormick family in Avlerstoke, Hampshire.  Lastly 8 year old Frederick is boarding with the Clayton family in Maidenhead.

 

 

 

 

I am unable to locate Jane on the 1881 Census, however she remarries on 20th February 1888 to Charles Twyman in Peckham, London.  Her son-in-law Edwin Watson and daughter Florence Watson were witnesses.  Jane was widowed again and remarried on 17th October 1904 to John Roberts.  Jane's son Frederick George was a witness.

 

So sad that this family were cast to the four winds after James Osborne's death.  I hope that they managed to find some happiness in their lives.

 

  



 

 

 

Elizabeth Grubb - Laundress

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

Monument to Elizabeth Grubb, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

 

"Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Grubb who died Sept 10th 1863 aged 83 years - He that spared not his own son.  But delivered him up for us all. How shall he not with him also freely give us all things-"

 

 

Elizabeth Grubb was born Elizabeth Miles in 1780 in Heckfield Hampshire, to William Miles and his wife Prudence Stone.

 

Sometime between 1808 and 1811 Elizabeth married John Grubb in Bray, Berkshire.  Together they had five children, Sarah Ann born in 1811, Elizabeth born in 1814, William born in 1817, Mary born in 1819 and Hannah born in 1821.  Sadly John died in 1833.

 

Widowed Elizabeth and her children William and Hannah can be found on the 1851 Census living in Boyne Hill, Maidenhead.  Elizabeth is a laundress, along with Hannah while William is a mason's labourer.

 

I am unable to find any trace of Elizabeth or her children on the 1871 Census

 

Elizabeth was to pass away in 1863.

 

 



Cemetery Sunday - Bridget and Augusta Higgs - Ladies Of Means

 

"Sacred to the memory of

Bridget Higgs

Born March 1?th 1821

Died December 17th 1883

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God

Also of her sister

Augusta Higgs

Died May 9th 1904."

 

 

 

Bridget and her elder sister Augusta were born in Hockliffe, Bedfordshire in 1821 and 1819 to Hervey Higgs and his wife Mary Ann Fogg.  Sometime before 1871, Bridget and  Augusta moved to Boyne Hill in Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

It seems that the Higgs family were well to do, as throughout the census returns Bridget and Augusta's occupations are listed as fundholders, living off interest from investments, dividends and mortages.  Both sisters remained spinsters, never marrying, and lived together until death seperated them.  Bridget was the first to pass away in 1883. The Slough, Windsor and Eton Observer repoted,

 

"Deaths

 

Higgs- On the 17th ult., at Boyne Hill Maidenhead, Bridget, daughter of the late Hervey Higgs, Reading Berkshire."

 

 

Augusta then moved to 50 Bath Road, Maidenhead after her sisters death, where she appears on thw 1901 Census.  Sadly Augusta was to pass away on 9th May 1904.  I wonder if Augusta died alone, or had family there to comfort her at the end.

 

Strangely I can find no further information on either Bridget, August or their late father Hervey Higgs.  Unusual for such a well to do family.

 

 



 

 

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Mary Ann and Victor Robert Bissley - Until The Day Break And The Shadows Flee Away

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

Monument to Mary Ann and Victor Robert Bissley, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill Maidenhead.

 

 

"In memory of Mary Ann Bissley died Oct 2nd 1964 aged 47 years.  Also her husband Victor Robert died Nov 2nd 1968 Aged 71 years."

 

Mary Ann was born Mary Ann Belson in Maidenhead in 1917.

 

In 1947 Mary Ann married Victor Robert Bissley, 20 years her senior. 

 

 

Victory Robert Bissley was born in Maidenhead in 1897 to Frank Bissley, a general builder and his wife Elizabeth Beaumont.

 

In 1901, four year old Victor is living with his parents and elder siblings at 2 All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead.  He is still there ten years laster in 1911, where he is listed as a schoolboy.

 

 

In the decmber of 1915 Victor enlisted with the Royal Engineers.  At that time he was working as a GWR (Great Western Railway) clerk.  During his service Victor suffered greatly with I.C.T (inflamed conective tissue) Feet, due to the amount of marching soilders did at the time and the poor weather conditions in the trneches.  Victor was admitted several times to Eastbourne Military Hospital in Sussex.  Eventually Victor had to undergo an operation on his foot to extract a toenail.

 

Victor survived the war and was discharged from the Royal Engineers on 25th October 1919.

 

Sadly Victor was to lose his wife in 1864.  He soon followed her in 1968.

 



Isabella and Isabel Mary McGregor - Mother and Daughter

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

Monument to Isabella and Isabel Mary McGregor, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

 

"In loving rememberance of Isabella.  Beloved wife of Edward James McGregor who died Nov 17th 1884 aged 30 years.  Also Isabel Mary daughter of the avove who died May 17th 1881 aged 3 years. - Unto Thee O Lord do I lift up my soul."

Isabella McGregor was born Isabella Shepherdson on 8th November 1854, to William Shepherdson, a butcher and his wife Isabella Grant.

 

Unfortunately I am unable to find Isabella or her family on the Census pre 1881.

 

In 1877 Isabella married Edward James McGregor.  Their daughter Isabel Mary was born in 1879, closely followed by a son Edward Charles in 1880, Reginald in 1882 and Archie William in 1883.

 

On the 1881 Census Isabella can be found living at and running The Star Inn beer house in South Street, Maidenhead with her husband Edward and their two children.  Sadly little than a month after the Census was taken Isabel Mary passed away at the age of 3.  Her mother Isabella followed her to the grave in 1884.

 

Edward soon remarried and left Maidenhead altogether, taking his sons with him.



War Grave Wednesday - George Eaton, a battle with depression.

"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).  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 Records for George, but he was to pass away on 26th July 1915 in Hampshire at the age of 56.

I wonder if George continued to live with the effects of depression until his death in 1915.

 



Harriet and Joseph Morten Gurney - Pinkneys Farm

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Harriet and Joseph Morten Gurney, St James the Less Churchyard, Stubbings Berkshire.

"Sacred to the memory of Harriet the wife of Joseph Morten Gurney who died February 8th 1882 aged 77 years.  Also of Joseph Morten Gurney who died September 17th 1895 aged 88 years - Lord Remember Me."


Joseph Morten Gurney was born in 1807 to William Gurney and his wife Mary.  In 1844 Joseph marries Harriet Wright baptism records show that Josepth and Harriet had at least one son called William Parker, who died in infancy and one daughter called Mary Elizabeth.

On the 1861 Census, Joseph, Harriet and Mary are living and working at Pinkneys Farm in Pinkney's Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Joseph is a farmer of 367 acres employing 11 men and 4 boys.  In 1866 their only surviving child Mary marries chemist Charles Henry Thompson and moves to Castle Hill in Maidenhead.

1871, Joseph and Harriet are still farming Pinkney' Farm.  This time only 345 acres, employing 12 men, 3 boys and 2 women.

In 1881, a year before Harriets death, both Joseph and Harriet are living at Woodley Farm in White Waltham where Joseph's occupation is listed as a retired farmer.  1891 sees the widowed Joseph still living at Woodley Farm House.  Joseph passed away in 1895.


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Cemetery Sunday - Falling Angel

'Falling' Angel at All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

The precarious position of this gravestone is caused by natural ground movements in the grave below.  As the body and casket break down the grave can sink, causing many gravestones and monuments to topple.  At the moment this gravestone is considered safe, once  it becomes unsafe it will be removed from its footings and placed across the grave.  This is to prevent damage to the stone and/or injury to cemetery visitors.


Below is an example of a gravestone that has been placed across a grave for safety reasons.

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Helen Irene Collins - Dunloran Park House

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Monument to Helen Irene Collins, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham Berkshire.

"Helen Irene Collins.  10th February 1891.  8th October 1966."
 

The first thing that struck me about this gravestone was the simplicity of it.  Also looked and felt a lot like concrete

Helen Irene Collins was born on 10th February 1891in Chelsea London to Carteret Fitzgerald Collins, a Barrister at law and Geraldine Lucia Anne Leslie.

Helen seems to have enjoyed a privillaged childhood living at 20 Sloane Square in Chelsea, a very fashionable and affluent area of London.  At one time the family had 13 servants to take care of their every need.  As far as I can tell Helen never entered into employment as an occupation has never been listed for her.  Helen passed away on 8th October 1966 in Sussex aged 75 years.  I wonder how it is that she came to be buried in a Berkshire churchyard?

In 1874 Helen's grandfather Brenton Halliburton Collins bought Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.  On Brenton's death in 1924, ownership of Dunorlan Park passed to Carteret until his death in 1841 when the house passed to his eldest son Lieutenant Colonel Richard Leslie Halliburton Collins.  Between 1874 and 1941 the estate was opened to the public every winter so that they could skate on the frozen lake. 

Lieutenant Colonel Richard was called out of retirement to fight in the second World War, it was then that the house became vacant and was requisitioned for the war effort.  In the early years it was a billeting station for troops, who according to local tradition, were responsible for destroying the avenue of statues and the figures on the fountain by using them for target practice.  In 1943 the War Damage Commission took up residence and remained there for fourteen years.

 In November 1944, the Council purchased Dunorlan Park House, the grounds, including three farms and other various lands from Lieutent Colonel Richard at a price of £42000.

Another interesting note, Helen's father Carteret had a patent for, Improvements in or relating to dish and like washing machines.

 

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George Kenneth Vansittart Neale - Died at Eton College

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Monument to George Kenneth Vansittart Neale, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham Berkshire.


"In loving memory of George Kenneth only son of Henry and Florence Vansittart Neale of Bisham Abbey who died at Eton College October 1st 1904 aged 14 years - O God thou art my God.  Early I will seek thee - Those that seek Me early shall find Me."

George Kenneth Vansittart Neale was born in Marylebone London in 1890 to sir Henry James Vansittart Neale K.C.B (Knight Commander order of the Bath), a principle clerk in the admiralty, and his wife Florence Eddis.

On the 1891 Census, nine month old George can be found living at his Grandmother Frances's home along with his aunt, mother, father and elder sister Phyllis, in Bisham Abbey Estate.




(c) Nash Ford Publishing
Source: berkshirehistory.com

By 1901, ten year old George is a boarding student at Stone House College in St Peter's Kent.

Sadly just three years after the census was taken, on 1st October 1904, young George was to died after an unsuccessful operation for appendicitis.


The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on 8th October 1904 -

"HEIR TO HISTORIC HOUSE DEAD

At Eton College on Tuesday the death took place, after an operation for appendicitis, of George Kenneth Vansittart Neale, only son of Sir Henry James Vansittart Neale K.C.B., of Bisham Abbey, Marlow.

The deceased was heir to the historic mansion, Bisham Abbey, and large estate in Berkshire.  A promising scholar at Eton, when he entered only a year ago he had reached the fifth form.  Deceased was fourteen years of age."


George's parents were so distraught at his sudden loss that they commissioned a marble monument to be carved by George Frederick Morris Harding and placed inside All Saints Church in Bisham, Berkshire.

The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on the occasion on December 19th 1908 -

"Memorial to an Eton Boy.

The Bishop of Oxford unveiled a memorial in Bisham Church to George Kenneth Vansittart Neale, the only son of Sir Henry James Vansittart Nelae K.C.B of Bisham Abbey, who died of appendicitis four years ago at Eton.  The memorial is the work of Mr. Morris Harding, a young sculptor, who is as yet unknown to fame, but who has here given proof of rare talent in the design as well as its execution.  The figure of the boy is seen kneeling on a cushion, his arms folding hands resting on a Pre-Dieu, the whole set in a flamboyant Gothic niche with trefoil arches."

The above picture, copyright of Robert Freidus, is reproduced curtosy of The Victorian Web.

There is also a stainedglass window in Bisham Church dedicated to George.

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George and Harriet Lapper - Inn Keepers

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to George and Harriet Lapper, All Saints Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In loving memory of George Lapper died Jany 2ist 1912 aged 73 years,

Also

Harriet Lapper his wife died Sept 4th 1912 aged 72 years. ~ God is our refuge and our strength ~"


George Lapper was born in Kemble Wiltshire in 1838 to William Lapper, an agricultural labourer and his wife Elizabeth.

On the 1841 Census, three year old George is living in Kemble Wiltshire with his parents and nine siblings.  1851 George is still living with his parents in Kemble, but is now listed as an agricultural labourer.  George remains with his family in Kemble until his marriage to Harriet Titchener in 1863.

1871, George and Harriet are now living in Duntisbourne Abbots, part of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire.  They're now running the Old Inn, now known as Five Mile House as well as rasing their children, Sarah aged seven, Emma aged four and two year old John.

Old Inn (five mile house)
Duntisbourne Abbots

In 1881 the family has moved again, this time to The Bell Inn, High Street, Hurst, Wargrave in Berkshire.  Their eldest child Sarah has since gone into domestic service and is living and working at Highfield House, Bath Road, Reading Berkshire.  George and Harriet have added a daughter, Ann and a son Arthur to their family.  1891 sees the family still running The Bell Inn in Hurst High Street.  Emma Lapper had left the family to work as a Telegraphist in West Thurrock, Essex.

In 1901 only George and Harriet remain at The Bell Inn.  John married Annie Louisa Lailey in 1892 before moving to Binfield where he worked as a fish monger.  Arthur, now a mechanical engineer is broading with the Simpson family in Basingstoke.  Anne had married Walter Robert Hatfield, a publican in 1895 and was now living in Turville Buckinghamshire.

George and Harriet continued to run The Bell Inn until 1907.

In 1911 George and Harriet can be found living at 49 Portlock Road in Maidenhead Berkshire.  George is now listed as a retired publican.  Both George and Harriet were to die a year later in 1912 and within eight months of each other.


Harriet Lapper was born Harriet Titchener on 10th May 1840 in Bishopstone Wiltshire to Charles Titchener, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary Smith.

On the 1851 Census, Harriet can be found aged ten, living with her parents and four siblings.  Their address is simply give as, near the school in Bishopstone, Wiltshire.

In 1861 Harriet is working as a domestic cook for Joseph Smith, a bank manager, and his family in Cirencester in Glouscestershire.

Frederick Owen and Ethel Maud Brock - Christmas Day Sweet Hearts

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.

Sundial memorial to Frederick Owen and Edith Maud Brock, Braywick Cemetery Garden of Rest, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Frederick Owen Brock who passed away Feb 8th 1962 and Edith Maud Brock on Christmas Day 1968.  Both born 1876."


Frederick Owen Brock was born in 1876 to John Brock, a builder, and his wife Elizabeth Cornell.  Frederick first appears on the 1881 Census aged 4 and living with his parents and siblings at The Firs, Felsted Common, Essex.  By 1891 Frederick had moved in with his uncle William Brock, a flour miller, and his wife Harriet, the parents of Edith Maud Brock.  Frederick was an apprentice flour miller at the time he was living with his aunt and uncle's house. 

In 1900 Frederick married his cousin Edith at Ognar, Essex.

In 1901 the newlyweds can be found living at 20 Park Street, St Pancras London.  Frederick is now a baker and confectioner.  1911 finds the family relocated to Kingston -on-Thames.  Frederick is still a baker and confectioner, but the family has since expanded to include Stanley Frederick aged 8, Muriel aged 7 and one year old Iris Doreen.

Frederick passed away on 8th February 1862 in Windsor Berkshire aged 85 and Edith on 25th December 1968 in Maidenhead Berkshire aged 92.


I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year.  Beneath Thy Feet will return in the New Year.


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Cemetery Sunday - Blanket of Snow

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Phoebe Eliza Carter and Annie Taylor - Sisters

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Monument to Phoebe Eliza Carter and Annie Taylor, All Saints Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In ever loving memory Phoebe Eliza Carter who died Jan 19th 1914 aged 40 years - The God of love shall be with you-

Also of Annie Taylor sister of the above who died Jan 27th 1919 aged 46 years - come unto me ye that are weary."


Phoebe Eliza Carter was born Phoebe Eliza Meeks on 10th July 1873 and Annie Taylor was born Annie Meeks in 1872 in Maidenhead Berkshire to James Meeks, a publican at the Greyhound Public House in King Street, Maidenhead, and his wife Eliza Esther Favell.

On the 1881 Census, 7 year old Annie and 6 year old Phoebe are living with their parents and their younger siblings Arthur and Florence at The Greyhound Public House in King Street.  1891 finds the sisters, now both barmaids still living at The Greyhound with their parents.

In 1894 Phoebe marries William Frederick Carter, a fly proprietor (horse and trap) from Wiltshire.  Together they had seven children, William, Winifred, Ellen, Phoebe Elizabeth, Edith, Constance and Reginald.  In 1901 the family are living at 7 Wellington Road, but by 1911 they have moved to 93 King Street. 

Sadly only three years later at the age of 40, Phoebe passes away.

In 1895 Annie marries Charles George Taylor, a grocer from Dover in Kent.

On the 1901 Census Charles and Annie are living at 3 South Road, Maidenhead.  Together they had seven children, one of which sadly died in infancy.  By 1911 The family and their six remaining children, Gladys, Edith, Hilda, William, Thomas and Henry had moved to 40 Uxbridge Road, Hanwell, Middlesex, where Charles is now a sugar buyer for a jam making factory.  Sadly Annie was to pass away 8 years later.  She now rests with her sister Phoebe in All Saints Churchyard.


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Thomas and Kate Dixon - Currier and Tobacconist

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Thomas and Kate Dixon, All Saints Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.


"In ever loving memory of Thomas the dearly beloved and devoted husband of Kate Dixon who entered into rest January 25th 1913 aged 47 years - his end was peace - May be be numbered with thy saints in glory everlasting -

Also

Kate Dixon who feel asleep February 7th 1955 aged 92 years."


Thomas Dixon was born in Dartford Kent in 1866 to Thomas Dixon, a foreman in a tanning works, and his wife Louisa Wren.

In 1871 Thomas aged 6 is living with his parents and grandmother Elizabeth Dixon in Dartford Kent.  By 1881 Thomas, now a carman apprentice is living with his family at No 1 Tanyard Cottages in Dartford Kent.

In 1881 in Thanet Kent, Thomas married Kate Hughes. 

In 1891 Thomas and Kate are living 35 Spring Vale in Dartford.  Thomas's occupation is listed as a currier.  A currier is a specialist in the leather processing industry. After the tanning process, the currier applies techniques of dressing, finishing and colouring to the tanned hide to make it strong, flexible and waterproof.  1895 sees the birth of their only surviving child, a son, Horace.

Sometime before 1901 Thomas, Kate and Horace move to 72 King Street, Maidenhead Berkshire where Thomas is now a tobacconist.  1911, two years before Thomas's death, he is now a retired tobacconist living with his wife Kate and 16 year old son Horace at 24 St Mark's Road, Maidenhead.  Horace is now a clerk for a local brewer.

Sadly Thomas was to pass away on 25th January 1913 at the age of 47

Unfortunately I am unable to find any information on Kate before her marriage to Thomas in 1884.


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Cemetery Sunday - Fading

 

 

Sandstone weathers over time, leaving some gravestones completely indecipherable.  It is such a shame that there names and the historical information is now lost.

 

The only information readable on the gravestone above is John Pearce.

 



Above is the gravestone of the Brill family.  The only name that remains readable is that of young Arthur William Brill, son of John and Florence Jane Brill of Norden Farm. 

"Born March 18th 1892.  Died Jany 5th 1894. - The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.  Blessed be thy name of the Lord."

Unfortunately the name of the person memorilised above young Arthur is now completely lost.

By photographing the older gravestones, I hope that in some way I am preserving the information for many many years to come.  Once it has worn away, it is gone forever.


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Alice and Charles Salway Thompson - Gardeners

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Monument to Alice Thompson and Charles Salway Thompson, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Alice beloved wife of Charles. S. Thompson died Decr 6th 1918 aged 57 years - God is our refuge.

Also Charles Salway her beloved husband died Feb 5th 1945 aged 88 years - at rest"


Alice Thompson was born Alice Pearce in the February 1861 in Bright Waltham, Berkshire to Charles Pearce, a carter, and his wife Amy Collins. 

Alice appears on the 1861 Census aged just 1 month, living with her parents and grandparents David and Sarah Collins at Bright Waltham Green.  In 1871 ten year old  Alice is still living with her grandparents David and Sarah at Bright Waltham Green, however Alice's parents and her younger siblings had moved to Scarlett's Lane in Wargrave.  It's possible that Alice stayed behind with her grandparents to continue her education.

In 1881 Alice is in service as a housemaid for Richard S. H. Jones, a barrister, and his wife Florence at Woodlands in Binfield Berkshire.  That same year Alice married Charles Thompson.


Charles Salway Thompson was born in Little Dunham, Norfolk in 1857 to Robert Thompson, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Ann Harpur, a charwoman (house cleaner).    1872 Charles is living with his widowed mother and five siblings in Little Duhman, Norfolk.  Charles's occupation is listed as a gardener's boy. 

In 1881 24 year old Charles in lodging in the home of Thomas and Martha Crockford at Bear Hill in Wargrave Berkshire.  Charles has progressed from gardener's boy to domestic gardener.

1891 finds Charles and Alice living in Gardener's house along with their four children, Archibald R, William C, Theodore V and Elsie M.  1901 and the family has moved to 68 Powny Road, Maidenhead Berkshire, where Charles is a jobbing gardener and his sons Archibald and William are under gardeners and Theodore is a garden boy.

Ten years on in 1911, the family, minus Archibald and Elsie, are still living at 68 Powny Road, Maidenhead. 

Sadly Alice was to pass away on 6th December 1918.  Charles was to live a further 27 years without Alice, before passing away on 5th February 1945.


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Frederick Wolff and Ida May - Steamship Business

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Angel monument to Frederick Wolff May and Ida May, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In affectionate rememberance of my dear husband Frederick Wolff May died 16 August 1924 aged 51 - Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

Also in memory of Ida his wife died ? December ?"


Frederick Wolff May and his twin sister Clara Fanny May were born on 10th October 1872 in Hanburg Germany to Frederick Albert May, a colonial merchant and his wife Clara Matilda Wolff.

Frederick first appears aged 8 on the 1881 Census living with his sister and parents at The Birches, Lawrie Park Gardens, Lewisham London.  I cannot find the family on the 1891 Census and I can only imagine that they were out of the country due to Fredrick's work as a colonial merchant.

Clara Mathilda May passes away in Kensington on 25th March 1896 aged only 47 years.  She is buried in Brompton Cemetery, London  In 1901 the widowed Frederick is now living at 10 The Boltons, Kensington London along with Frederick Jr, now a steamship manager with his uncle Gustav Wilhelm Wolff's shipbuilding company Harland and Wolff (manufactorers of the Titanic), and Clara.  In 1903 Frederick Snr marries Louise Spencer Smith, however five years later in 1908 Fredrick Snr dies of typhoid fever and heart disease in Dorest.

I am unable to find a marriage for Frederick or Ida, or indeed any information on Ida's birth other than 1879 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

In 1911 Frederick and Ida have moved to Woodmancote, Cliveden near Maidenhead.  The census retur states that Frederick and Ida have had one child, but they're not living with them at the time the census was taken and I have been unable to trace a birth.

Clara, Frederick's twin sister never married and died aged 76 in September 1949, leaving large sums of money to those who had been in service at her home.  To view some of Clara's family pictures, please click here.



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Walker, Treffry and Higgs - Wesleyan Methodists

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.

 

 

 

Monument to Jemima Ann Walker, Robert Walker J.P, Ann Walker, Mary Ann Curtis Treffry, John Higgs Esq J.P and Jemima Griffin Higgs, Methodist Church, Hight Street, Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

 

"In memorium Jemima Ann, only daughter of Robert and Ann Walker died Jany 15 1860 aged 10 years.  Robert Walker, J.P. died August 1. 1886 aged 64 years.  Ann Walker died July 12 1896 aged 78 years."

 

"Mary Ann Curtis Treffry died Dec 16 1864 aged 74 years.  John Higgs Esq. J.P. died June 3 1867 aged 6? years.  Jemima Griffin Higgs died Nov 3 1886 aged 79 years."

 

"He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels - Rev 3."

 

 

Jemima Ann was born in 1850 to Robert Walker, a chemist and painter and later a barrister and Justice of The Peace, and his wife Ann Wright.  In 1851, one year old Jemima can be found living with her parents and her uncle John Higgs and aunt Jemima G Higgs.  Sadly young Jemima was to pass away from a short illness before the next census was taken.

***

 

Robert Walker was born in Worcestershire in 1822 to Robert Walker and his wife Mary Ann Curtis Cullern.  In 1841 Robert is an apprentice chemist and has moved to Maidenhead where he is living with his brother-in-law John Higgs, a chemist in Maidenhead's High Street.

 

In 1847 Robert marries Ann Wright daughter of Muriel Wright of Sunninghill Berkshire, in Maidenhead.

 

Robert was also a preacher for the Wesleyan Methodist churches in Maidenhead and Cookham Rise and in 1865 he wrote a book entitled, A Collection of Favourite Hymns used by the Wesleyan Methodist Sabbath & Day Schools, of which Robert was superintendent. 

 

1881 sees Robert's occupation listed as magistrate and local preacher.

 

On 22nd July 1886 Robert was forced to be absent from a a day trip with the Wesleyan Sunday and day Schools to Burnham Beeches due to severe illness.  10 days later Robert passed away on 1st August 1886.

 

In 1891 the widowed Ann has moved to Wargrave to live with her sister Elizabeth Wright, before her own death in 1898.  Both Robert and Ann were interred in a vault beneath the Methodist church in Maidenhead High Street along with their daughter Jemima

***

Mary Ann Curtis Treffry was born Mary Ann Curtis Cullern on 4th September 1789, the second daughter of Thomas Cullern, a well respected tradesman in Maidenhead and his wife Ann Curties.  On 17th January 1820 Mary Ann married Robert Walker Snr in Dudley Worcestershire.  Both Mary Ann, her husband Robert Snr, son Robert and her step daughter Jemima Griffin Walker were extremely active Wesleyan Methodists and can be credited with the building of a Methodist Church in Maidenhead.

On 14th June 1830, Robert Walker Snr died and Mary Ann became a widow.  It was this that prompted her to move back to Maidenhead from Dudley to be closer to her son Robert and step brother John Higgs.  On 28th June 1835 Mary Ann became the teacher of the Methodist Sunday School.  On 9th November 1838 Mary Ann married Rev Richard Treffry at Hoxton London, where she lived with her new husband until 1833 when upon his retirement due to illness they moved back to Maidenhead.  Rev Treffry suffered greatly with sickness from 1833 until his death on 18th September 1842.  Mary Ann continued to be active in the Wesleyan Methodist community and completed man works for charity until her death from illness on 16th December 1864.  Mary Ann Treffry was interred in the family vault beneath the Methodist church in Maidenhead High Street, next to the remains of her grand-daughter Jemima.

In 1866 her relative James A Macdonald complied Mary Ann's memoirs into a book entitled Heavenward:  Memorials of Mrs M. A. C. Treffry of Maidenhead.

***

John Higg was born in Maidenhead on 29th June 1800 to John Higgs and his wife Ann Cullern.  John marries Jemima Griffin Walker on 10th December 1827.  In 1841 John Higgs is a Chemist living and working in Maidenhead High Street.  at the time of the 1841 Census, his sisters second husband Rev Richard Treffry is living with John and Jemima.  1851 and John and Jemima have moved in with their nephew/step brother Robert Walker.  John's occupations is now listed as magistrate, chemist and postmaster.  in 1861, 6 years before John's death the family is now living at Castle Hill Villa on St Mark's Road, Maidenhead.  John is now listed as a Justice of the Peace and local wesleyan preacher.  John Higgs passed away on 3rd June 1867.  John Higg was interred in the family vault beneath the Methodist church in Maidenhead High Street.

***

Jemima Griffin Higgs was born Jemima Griffin Walker in Dudley Worcestershire in 1807 to Robert Walker and his 1st wife Elizabeth Griffin.  Jemima remained in Maidenhead after her husband's death.  She lived alone with only one general servant for company until her own death on 3rd November 1886

On 13th November 1886 the Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported:

"Death of Mrs J. G. Higgs - In the removal by death of Mrs Jemima Griffin Higgs, of 3 Orchard Villas, Castle Hill, widow of the late John Higg.s Esq., J.P., who died on 4th June 1867, the local wesleyan body have lost another great supporter of their cause.  Mrs. Higgs had been in ill-health for many years,  and at times could only get about with assistance, and this necessitated her being for the most part confined to her house.  On Wednesday, the 3rd Inst., the deceased lady appeared if anything a little better than usual, but shortly after going to rest she had a fit of coughing and ruptured a blood vessel.  Dr. Plume and Mr. Montgomery were at once summoned, but their aid was of no avail, and the sufferer passed away at around 9 o'clock, having attained the age of 79.

The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, at the Wesleyan chapel, in the presence of a large number of persons.  It was of the simplest possible description, which was in accordance of the oft-expressed wish of the deceased.  Not a single flower being placed on the coffin."

Jemima G Higgs joined the rest of her family in the vault beneath the Methodist church in Maidenhead High Street.

To read more about the history of Maidenhead's Methodist communityand it's church, please click here.

I hope you've enjoyed my delve into the history of this complicated but amazing family.  I know I have.



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