Philip Limbrach Townsend, Auctioneer, his wife Louisa Townsend, and their son Private Aubrey Edward Townsend - Solider Drowned at Brampton

All Saint's Cemetery,
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

"Philip Limbrach Townsend died March 21st 1927 aged 71 years.

Louisa Townsend died 19th December 1936 aged 70 years."

Philip Limbrach Townsend was born in 1856 in St Anns, Soho, Middlesex, to parents Philip Townsend, a dairyman and cow herder, and Jane Sims. His unusual middle name comes from that of his paternal grandfather, Limborough Townsend. It seems that over the years Philip's middle name was incorrectly recorded before becoming the name that adorns his grave, Limbrach. 

Philip can be first found on the 1861 Census living with his parents and siblings above the family Dairy at 26 Frith Street, Soho, London, Philip married Elizabeth Weston on 25th July 1878. Their marriage was to be a tragically short one. In 1884 they were blessed with the birth of their son Owen Stanley Townsend, who was to sadly die aged 12 in 1896. January 1886 saw the arrival of their second child, a son Aubrey Edward Townsend. Sadly, Elizabeth died that very same month, possibly through childbirth or complications afterwards.

On the 1881 Census Philip and Elizabeth can be found living and running the family dairy business at 26 Frith Street, Soho, London, along with Philip's younger brother William, a cabinet maker. 

26 Frith Street, Soho, London

On 15th March 1888 Philip marries his second wife Louisa Banger in Abingdon, Berkshire. 

The couple can be found on the 1891 Census at 26 Frith Street, Soho, London living with their two-year-old daughter Elsie Margurite. Philip's two sons from his first marriage Owen and Aubrey are living with their grandmother Jane Townsend at a farmhouse in Baldon Green, Baldon Marsh, Oxfordshire.

In 1901 Philip running a dairy at 151 Maida Vale, Paddington, London along with his wife Louisa. His son Aubrey from his first marriage, is now an apprentice electrical engineer, two more children have joined the family, Cecil Philip Limbrach born 1892, and Dorothy May born 1894. In 1902 another daughter was born, Phyllis Louise.

By 1911 The family had moved to Lawnfield House, Bath Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  However, on the night of the census, Philip, now working as an auctioneer, and his son Cecil were staying at the Marine Mansion Hotel on Marine Parade in Brighton, Sussex. Louisa Townsend bred and showed Pekingese dogs, winning several prizes. 

Lawnfield, Bath Road, Maidenhead.

Sadly, another tragedy was set to befall the family. Aubrey joined the Royal Fusiliers and sadly drowned near Huntingdon whilst swimming in the river on 14th June 1919 aged 33. 

The Hunts Country Newspaper reported on Friday 20th June 1919:

"Solider Drowned at Brampton

Mr Gerald Hunnybun, the county Coroner, held an inquest at Brampton on Monday, into the circumstances of the death of Aubrey Edward Townsend, who was drowned whilst bathing in the River Ouse on Saturday. There was no jury.

Philip Lembrach [sic] Townsend, of Lawnfield, Bath Road, Maidenhead, said the deceased was his son. He was a private in the Royal Fusiliers. His age was 33, and he was married.

Percy Symons, a private in the same regiment as the deceased, said that at 5.30 Saturday evening deceased left the camp at Brampton and went to the Bathing Place. together with witness and Pte. Strangward.  After Strangward had had a bathe he lent his suit to deceased, who then went into the water and swam after the witness. When witness, who was ten yards from the bank, reached the side, he saw deceased go under. Witness made an ineffectual attempt to reach him. The water was very deep in the middle of the stream. Witness and Strangward returned to camp and reported the matter.

This evidence was corroborated by Pte. Strangward, who went into the shed when he saw the deceased swimming.

P.C. W. Jackson said he did not receive news of the occurrence until 7 p.m., as he was on duty at Huntingdon. He dragged the water until 11 p.m., and next morning dragged again and recovered the body at 5 a.m.

The Coroner returned a verdict of "Drowned by misadventure".  

He left behind his widow Nellie Lavinia Clarke and a young son Philip Maurice Townsend.  Aubrey is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave in Brampton Cemetery Huntingdonshire.

On the 1921 Census Philip and Louisa Townsend are still living at Lawnfield House, Bath Road, Maidenhead, along with their daughters Dorothy May, and Phyllis Louise. 

Philip was to pass away on 21st March 1927 whilst in London. On 23rd March 1927 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Townsend- On Match 21st 1917, in London, suddenly, Phlilp Limbragh [sic], aged 71, dearly-loved husband of Louisa Townsend of Lawnfield, Maidenhead. No mourning by request."

On 30th March 1927 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

 "Obituary

The funeral of the late Mr. P. L. Townsend, Lawnfield, Maidenhead, and London, whose death was recorded in in last week's Advertiser, took place on Friday at Maidenhead Cemetery, the Rev. C. H. Nash, Vicar of St, Mary's officiating. The widow was too ill to attend."

Louisa was to pass away on 19th December 1936 at her home Lawnfield. On 23rd December 1936 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Townsend- At Lawnfield, Maidenhead, on December 19th, Louisa, widow of P. L. Townsend."

In the same issue the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"The Late Mrs. P. L. Townsend

Internment At All Saints' Churchyard

The death of Mrs. P. L. Townsend occurred suddenly at her residence "Lawnfield", Castle Hill, Maidenhead, on Saturday last. The funeral took place quietly yesterday (Tuesday) at All Saints' Churchyard, the Rev. J. B. Gordon (curate of St Mary's Church) officiating. The deceased had attended St Mary's Church for many years."

Andrew Neville Chirnside - Young Boy's Death at Sea from Peritonitis

 

Angel monument to Andrew Neville Chirnside who died on 17th May 1901 aged 12 years. All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, All saints Avenue, Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

Andrew Neville Chirnside was born in 1889 in Werribee, Victoria, Australia to Robert Chirnside and Alice Belinda Chirnside nee Ware. His father Robert was a member of one of the leading families of landowners in Australasia in the 1880's and by all accounts -

"A man of kindly heart and generous disposition, keenly interested in pastoral management and everything connected with country life, and taking a pride in having everything of the best around him."

Robert Chirnside passed away on 4th January 1900 after a three year illness which had started with a bad cold, eventually leading to trouble with the lungs. He left behind his widow Alice and five children, three sons and two daughters.

It was on 17th May 1901 during a trip back to England with his mother Alice, that Andrew was tragically struck by peritonitis which quickly proved to be fatal.

An article in The Adelaide Register records -

  "The passengers by The Australia have been greatly shocked at the death of Andrew Neville Chirnside, 12 yr old son of the late Mr Robert Chirnside of Carranballac, Victoria, which took place on the passage between Plymouth and London on 17 May. Until reaching the later stage of the voyage the lad was in the full flush of youthful vigour but a seizure of peritonitis quickly proved fatal."

Mrs Chirnside later remarried to Sir Henry Hodges, who she also out lived.  Lady Alice Hodges passed away on 23rd November 1942 at Mount Macedon, Victoria, Australia.  Her obituary was placed in the Melbourne Argus the day after her death.

"By the death of Lady Hodges, 83, at her home Dreamthorpe, Mt Macedon, yesterday, charitable institutions, especially those concerned with the welfare of children, have lost a very fine patroness.  Many charities have benefitted from inspections of the lovely gardens of Dreamthorpe, and it was one of the show gardens of Mt Macedon to be thrown open for charitable purposes.  Lady Hodges was born in the Western district, and was twice married.  Her first husband was the late Mr Robert Chirnside, and her second the late Sir Henry Hodges, of the Victorian Supreme Court Bench.  Her family consisted of 2 daughters (Mrs Mary Gwladis Roland and one deceased) and 3 sons, Messers. Robert Gordon Chirnside and Russell Melville Chirnside, and the late Mr Andrew Neville Chirnside. 

The funeral, which will be private, will take place on Wednesday, leaving Sleight's Chapel at 3pm for Springvale Crematorium."

It must have been extremely difficult for Alice to lose her first husband, two of her children and then her second husband.  It must also have been extremely difficult for her to leave her young son resting in a small town cemetery in England.




 

William Michael Finch Zinc Worker of Hackney, London, his wife Emily Finch, and their son William Alexander Finch of Ravenhoe, Bourne End - Housekeeper's Attempted Suicide

The snow laden angel of 'The Finch Family Grave'. All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, All Saint's Avenue, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"William Michael Finch died 27th July 1919 aged 79 years.

Emily Finch died 29th July 1902 aged 61 years

Also of their only son William Alexander Finch died 18th August 1925 aged 59

Monument by Emmanuel Harris & Son, Monumental Masons, Beaumont Street London."

William Michael Finch was born in Hackney London in 1840 to Alexander Finch, a carpet planner, and his wife Caroline Harvey.  William later became a zinc worker by trade.

In 1841 nine-month-old William can be found living with his parents and elder siblings, Caroline Elizabeth, Alexander, and James in Ann's Place, Pritchard's Road, Hackney, London.

In 1851 the ten-year-old schoolboy William is still living with his parents at Ann's Place in Pritchard's Road; however, the family has grown to include George, Susannah and John.  Sadly, just two years later William's farther Alexander was to pass away in 1853, aged just 42. 

Pritchard's Road, Hackney, c1903

1861 finds the twenty-year-old William, now a zinc worker, living with his widowed mother and younger siblings, now including nine-year-old Caroline, at 29 Marian Square, Bethnal Green, London.

In 1864 William married Emily Prockter in Shoreditch London and on August 5th 1866, they were blessed with the birth of their only child William Alexander Finch.

In 1871 the young family can be found living at 271 Hackney Road, Hackney London. Where William and his wife Emily were still residing during the 1881 Census.  By this time William Alexander has left the family home and is now studying at Margate High School, in Kent.

In the 1891 Census William Snr was listed as living by own means at 76 Victoria Park Road, South Hackney, London along with his wife Emily, their son William, by now an architect and surveyor and their housekeeper Emily Lee.

On 26th August 1896 William Alexander married Emeline Blundell nee Mears in Westminster, London

By 1901 William Michael, now retired, is still residing at 76 Victoria Park Road, South Hackney with his wife Emily.  Sadly, just a year later on 29th July 1902, Emily passed away.

Victoria Park Road, South Hackney.

Their son William and his wife Emeline are listed as living at Ray Park Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  On 27th February 1908, William Alexander and Emeline celebrated the birth of their child Michael William Finch.

In 1911 William Alexander and his young son can be found living at Ravenshoe, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire without Emeline, who I have been unable to trace.  Living with and working for William is his housekeeper Mary Ann Chilton.

That same year William petitioned Emeline for a divorce, citing a Theodore Gilsdorf. They were finally divorced on 14th October 1912.

By 1911 the widowed William Snr is still residing 76 Victoria Park Road, South Hackney. Living with him and working as his housekeeper is his widowed sister-in-law, Emily's sister, Harriet Williamson. Also staying with them is Harriet's daughter Emily Williamson.  William Snr was to pass away just eight years later on 27th July 1919.

On Tuesday 21st May 1912 William Alexander's housekeeper Mary Ann Chilton attempted suicide at Ravenhoe, Bourne End. On 23rd May 1912 the South Bucks Standard reported:

"CHARGE ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. 

POLICEMAN’S STRUGGLE WITH HOUSEKEEPER. 

CASE DISMISSED. 

At the Wycombe County Police Court yesterday (Wednesday) before Mr. Arthur Vernon (in the chair), and Mr. D. Clarke, Mary Chilton, 22, housekeeper, of 15, Baker-street, High Wycombe, was charged in custody with attempting to commit suicide cutting her throat with razor at Bourne End, on Tuesday. 

William Alexander Finch, architect, of Ravenhoe,” Bourne End, said accused had been in his employ for two years. On Tuesday evening at 6 o'clock he returned home from London and was told that damage had been done to a box at his home. He saw the box was smashed. Accused came into the room and behaved in an excitable manner. He asked her who broke the box, and she said she accepted full responsibility for it and had done it a protest against the gardener taking the silver away. Accused ran upstairs and witness left P.C. Timber, who was with him at the time, to look after her. He did not ‘near her say anything she went upstairs, but heard struggle upstairs, where the constable and the gardener had followed her. He thought accused was greatly upset at witness taking away his little boy, to whom accused was greatly attached. 

Mr. Vernon: That is supposition. 

Witness said later he saw the accused lying at the bottom of stairs. gave her some brandy. Witness kept a razor in a case in his bathroom. 

Accused said she had absolutely no question to ask Mr. Finch at all. 

John James Ody, of Bourne End, gardener to Mr. Finch, said that was ordered by his employer to pack the silver. He got the box down and placed in the dining room. he wanted some paper he cycled down to the Sailing Club with four dish covers in his hand. He cycled back and saw accused and a man coming out the gateway. He went straight indoors found the box smashed to smithereens. Having had orders if there was any "nonsense" call the police did so, and P.C. Timber came. Subsequently in the evening the officer called his assistance to accused, who had rushed upstairs. Witness went his assistance and P.C. Timber, who was struggling with accused said "Seize this out of her hand." Witness wrenched razor away from accused's grasp. This took place in accused's bedroom. Accused shouted them to give it to her, and she would do something. Afterwards accused threw herself downstairs. Witness did not see accused do anything or attempt to anything with the razor.

—By accused: He did not remember seeing loose stair rod on the stairs. 

P.C. Timber, of Bourne End, said was called by Ody at midday, and proceeded Ravenhoe. "Just after 6 p.m. he saw Mr. Finch, and with the gardener they went Ravenhoe." Accused was standing at the gate, and they went into the house together. the dining room Mr. Finch asked accused who had smashed the box, and she said I did," and also admitted interfering with the bolts of the back door that it could not be locked. She said she broke the box to prevent the silver—which she had charge of—being taken out the house. Accused then got into a violent temper and high words ensued between accused, Ody, and Mr. Finch. He told her to keep cool, as she rushed about in an excited manner. Suddenly accused rushed upstairs and Mr. Finch told witness to follow her, he was afraid something might happen. Witness went up and found accused on her bed, screaming and in a very excitable condition. He tried to pacify her and she got up, was going down the stairs, and appeared to witness to throw herself to where Ody was standing, at the bottom of the stairs. She missed him and fell down. Accused went in the dining room for a few minutes, and after witness had tried to reason with her, she rushed upstairs again and went into the bathroom. Witness started going after her, when she rushed out of the bathroom, along the landing, and he heard her say I will draw this razor across my throat." She ran into her bedroom and witness followed, and found she had the razor produced in her hands. He grappled with her and prevented her opening the razor, and in the struggle accused tried to get her hands to her throat, and shouted I will do it, I will do it." He called to Ody to come up, and while was struggling with accused she attempted to bite his right hand. With the help of Ody the razor was taken from accused. 

Inspector Field, of Marlow, said received a telephone message, and arrived at Ravenhoe, Bourne End, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. He there found accused in the dining room, with Mr. Finch and P.C. Timber. She was crying, and apparently in a distressed state of mind. Witness asked her what was the matter, and she said " That's my business, not yours." Witness said " I understand you've made an attempt to commit suicide." She replied "Yes, and I shall do it. It’s enough to make any girl commit suicide." Accused made reference to a girl who had recently committed suicide at Marlow, and said she would do the same. Witness the conclusion that she really intended to do herself some injury and charged her and took her into custody. In reply to the charge she made a long rambling statement, the of which was a complaint against the gardener and her master. She was in quite a desperate state most of the time and did not seem to care what happened to her. Accused seemed in great pain at the time with her head, and her nose bled for some time, after which she seemed steadier. 

Mr. Finch, recalled the Chairman, said accused had been in his service two years.At times she was as good girl one could wish, and at other times she dew into violent passions. She seemed upset that his little boy was leaving and had said that when the child went away she would go too, and no one would see her. As a rule she was very good girl. 

Inspector Field added that on the way to Wycombe accused expressed sorrow for what she had done, and said she would never do such a thing again. Accused was then asked if she wished to say anything. She said she would like to say that before she went upstairs to attempt to do anything Mr. Finch offered her a cheque to clear out of the house. She refused to take it. The silver was left in her charge, and instructions had been given her that nothing was not to be touched unless Mr. Finch gave her orders. She thought it was then time to stop the thing. At 8 o'clock in the morning the gardener came in the house, and instead of ringing the bell he got through the dining room window. She thought she should have had proper notice from Mr. Finch. 

Accused's father was questioned by Mr. Vernon, and said she had been good girl, and had never given any indication of threats to take her life. He would promise to look after her. In further reply to'the Bench the accused said, she was really very very sorry for what she had done, had no intention of repeating it. The Magistrates, taking into account the accused character, and her promise not to repeat the offence, dismissed the case, which they considered had been very properly brought before them."

 

In 1914 William Alexander married his second wife, Enid Cutler, in Holborn, London. William and Enid can be found on the 1921 Census living at Ravenhoe, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire. Michael William Finch is a live in student at Steyham Grammar School, Shoreham by Sea, Sussex

William Alexander was to pass away at his home, Ravenhoe, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire on 18th August 1925.

Micheal William Finch would later move to Cornwall where he married Gertrude Joan Jones in 1977 at the age of 69. Sadly, Michael was to pass away that same year on 27th April.

Jessie Outram and Private Alexander Robert Outram, 22nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers - Behind Every Stone Is A Story

All Saint's Cemetery,
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

"Jessie Outram, born 7th December 1884 - died 17th October 1912 aged 27 years (after much suffering) and of Private Alexander Robert Outram of the 22nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, born 9th October 1878 - died 17th February 1917, killed in action in France aged 38."  

Such a tragic loss of two young lives, leaving behind their son Alexander Joseph Harold Outram who also died at a young age, 32 in Westminster London.

Jessie Outram was born Julia Maclean Le Sueur on 7th December 1884 in St Helier, Jersey, to parents Clement Francis Le Sueur, an Ironmonger and colourman (a person who deals in paints), and Eliza Le Marinel.  Jessie first appears on the 1891 Channel Islands Census, living with her parents and siblings in St Helier, Jersey.

In 1901 Jessie is still living with her family in St Helier, Jersey in a house called Mayfield.

Alexander Robert Outram was born on 9th October 1878 in Tanca Peru to parents Joseph Outram and Julia Margarita MacLean. Joseph Outram died in Tanca Peru on 21st November 1878, it was after this that Julia his wife returned to England with Alexander and his siblings. The 1901 Census finds them living at 22 Cleveland Square, Paddington, London, where 22-year-old Alexander is listed as being a banker's clerk. 

On 23 October 1904 in Jersey, Alexander Outram married Julia (Jessie) Le Sueur. Their Son Alexander Joseph Harold Outram was born on 11th July 1907 at Cleveland, Boyn Hill Avenue, Maidenhead. On 17th July 1907 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Births

OUTRAM.—On July 11th, at Cleveland, Boyn Hill' avenue, Maidenhead, the wife of Alexander R. Outram, of a son."

In 1911 the family can be found living at 8 Western Esplanande, Hove, Sussex. A row of beach front properties.  Alexander Snr is listed as living by private means.  Visiting the family is Lilian Le Sueur, Jessie's younger sister.

Western Esplanande Villas being built.

Jessie was to pass away on 17th October 1912, aged just 27. Her gravestone mentions that she died, "after much suffering". I haven't been able to find any news reports or records of her death that would explain what that suffering may have been. 

In 1904 Alexander Sr joined the Volunteer Reserve and later The Royal Fusiliers on 7th June 1916 . He served with the Expeditionary Force in France from 1st December that year and was reported missing in action on 17th February 1917 after fighting near Petit Miraumont, France. He was later known to be killed in action on that date.

On 5th December 1917 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Outram- Previously reported missing, now officially reported killed in action on Feb. 17th, 1917. Pte. Alexander R. Outram, 22nd Royal Fusiliers, of Cleveland, Maidenhead, youngest son pof the late Joseph Outram, formerly of Tanca, Peru, and of Mrs. Outram, 22 Cleveland Square, Hyde Park. R.I.P."

Pvt Alexander Robert Outram

On Wednesday 12th December 1917 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported as follows:

"A Requiem Mass - In connection with the death of Mr. Alexander Outram of "Cleveland," Boyne Hill avenue [sic], Maidenhead, (reported in out last issue), a Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, Cookham-road, on Monday last, the celebrant being the Rev. Father Curtin. Mr. Outram was a widower, with a son of eleven years. His wife pre-deceased him a few years ago, and her remains rest in Maidenhead Cemetery." - Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 12th December 1917.

Alexander Robert Outram was buried in the Regina Trench Cemetery in Miraumont, France.  An officer wrote of him:

"He had always proved himself and excellent solider and comrade," and that, "his loss would be keenly felt by his fellow-soldiers."

Young Alexander Joseph was orphaned at the age of 11 years and was sent to live with his paternal grandmother Julia Outram, who was to pass away on 22nd October 1929. 

On 1921 Census, Alexander Joseph can be found as a pupil of Beaumont College, Old Windsor, Berkshire.

The next record I can find of Alexander Joseph is from 1931 of him marrying Bertha Vivien Pearce in St Martin, London. Sadly, it doesn't seem the union was to last as by the 1939 Register Alexander is listed as divorced, living at Flat XVIII in the City of Westminster. Not long after, on the 7th January 1940, Alexander Joseph was to pass away at 18 Shepherd House, Shepherd's Market, London, at the age of 32.

On 10th January 1940 a report was man in the Liverpool Echo titled "Man With Giant Liver"

"MAN WITH GIANT LIVER 

Sir Bernard Spilsbury, at a London inquest, said that Alexander Joseph Outram (32), of Shepherd House, Mayfair, had a liver weighing 118 oz. The weight of a normal man’s liver was just over 50 oz."