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

 

 

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

 

 

"In Loving Memory of 

Edwin Rogers.  

Born December 18 1834.  D

ied April 16 1890.  

A faithful servant of Jesus Christ and His Church.  

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

This stone was erected by his family and friends.  

Be Ye Also Ready.

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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



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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

"Serious Charge-

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

"Deaths-

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

Edwin's obituary appears in the same issue:

"Obituary-

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

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

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

 

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

  

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

 

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

 

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

 

Cemetery Sunday - Buried Beneath The Holly Tree

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

'In Loving Memory Of 

Ann Neighbour 

Who Died March 31st 1886 

Aged 92 years.  

Also 

Lucy Neighbour 

Who Died April 24th 1885 

Aged 6 months. 

Also 

Joseph Neighbour 

Who Died July 15th 1885 

Aged 22 years.  

Also 

Emily Neighbour 

Who Died September 19th 1886 

Aged 4 months.  

The Beloved Children of John and Jane Neighbour.'

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

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

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

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

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

**

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


Family Connections:

Jane Neighbour nee Willis

Cemetery Sunday - Alone

 

A lone small cross gravestone lent against a tree.

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

"In Loving Memory Of 

Henry Hunter 

Who Died October 11th 1883 

Aged 57 years 

- Asleep in Jesus - 

Also 

Elizabeth Hunter 

Wife Of The Above 

Who Died June 26th 1903 

Aged 75 years."

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

"Monkey Hunt-

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

The Reform Inn during the 1947 floods

 

  

Cemetery Sunday - Snow Angel

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

Thank you.

 

 

 

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

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

"In loving memory 

of 

Alfred Playne 

Died Sept. 9th 1908. 

Aged 79 years.  

Also 

Frances Maria 

His Beloved Wife 

Died Sept. 21st 1871.  

Aged 42 years. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Deaths-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Sarah Seamark Playne 

Died 20th May 1897

Aged 64 Years" 

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

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

On Saturday 21st November 1908 the Cheltenham Chronicle reported -

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

Cemetery Sunday - Until The Day Breaks

 

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

 

 

 

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Frederick Beman, Bricklayer of Maidenhead and his wife Mary Beman - A Fall from Scaffolding

Memorial to Frederick Beman and Mary Beman. St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"Sacred To The Memory of 

Frederick Beman 

Who died August 6 th 1883 

Aged 67 years.  

Also of 

Mary 

Wife of the above 

Who died February 2nd 1885 

Aged 76 years. 

- come to me; all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest -"

Frederick, a bricklayer and plasterer, was born in 1816 in Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire, England to William Beman and his wife Margaret Pusey.

Mary Beman was born Mary Hutton in 1808 in Cookham, Berkshire, England to Joseph Hutton and his wife Anne Wigg

In 1838 in Maidenhead, Frederick married Mary Hutton.  Their first child, a son James, soon followed in 1840.  It later became apparent that little James was deaf.

The young couple first appear on the 1841 living in Ives Cottage, Forlease Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, along with their eight month old son, James.

1843 saw the birth of a daughter, Ann.  Followed in 1848 by a second daughter, Mary.

1851 and the family is still living at Forlease Lane in Maidenhead.  In 1853 a third daughter, Sophia was born.  Sadly in 1855, young James passed away aged 15.

1861, Frederick and his family are still living in Forlease Lane in Maidenhead.

In 1862, two men, Joseph Wise and Richard Scott were charged of having on the 6th December 1862 stolen 22 heads of cabbage to the value of 2s, 6d, the property of Frederick Beman of Bray Parish.

On Tuesday 26th June 1866 Frederick Beman accidentally fell from a scaffold whilst carrying out work on a building at Monkey Island, Bray, Berkshire, breaking his leg. The Reading Mercury reported:

"Accident-

On Tuesday last, Frederick Beman, a bricklayer, while at work on a building near Monkey Island, fell from the scaffold and broke his leg." 

1871, Frederick and his family are still living at Forlease Lane, Maidenhead.  Mary Sr was now listed as being deaf.  Mary Jr has left the family home to work as a housemaid for Jane Beckwith in Marlow Road, Maidenhead.  Sophia is working from home as a dress maker.  On 4th July 1871, one of Frederick's labourers, George Henry Ford, suffered a fatal fall from some scaffolding at St Michael's Church in Bray.  Frederick reported to the inquiry  -

"I had been repairing the interior plastering of Bray Church, and Ford was my labourer.  I saw him go up the scaffold; he took a pail, turned round, and then jumped off the scaffold.  I did not see his foot slip.  It was a very damp morning, he had just been out to fetch us some beer, when he told me his foot slipped and he jumped to save himself."

George Henry Ford had badly broken his left thigh and despite immediate medical assistance being given, he later died from Erysipelas on 22nd July 1871.  A verdict of Accidental Death was recorded.


In 1872 Sophia married William Mayers, a sign writer and house painter.

In 1881, just two years before Frederick passed away, the family moved to 47 Moffatt Street in Maidenhead.  Living with the family at the time is granddaughter Sarah Beman.

On 6th August 1883, Frederick passes away, followed by his wife Mary on 2nd February 1885.

Cemetery Sunday - Air Transport Auxiliary Graves

 

ATA - Air Transport Auxiliary Graves, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

Throughout World War Two many personnel lost their lives whilst transporting planes, some of them damaged in battle, to various locations around Britain and France.

 

 

 

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World War Two: Anthony Montague and Guy Henry Garrett-Cox - Brothers in Arms.

Sometimes when you set out to research a person you stumble onto tales of bravery and tragedy.  This is one such story.

What intrigued me about this family at first was the fact that Lance Corporal Anthony Montague Garrett-Cox is the only war grave in the small churchyard of St Luke's Church in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Why was Anthony here on his own when his comrades in both world wars that died at home were buried at All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery?

Details where few and far between.  I managed to find out through the Commonwealth War Graves commission that Anthony's parents were R Garrett-Cox and Gladys Irene Garrett-Cox of Maidenhead.  Their double barrelled surname, instead of making research easier, made it much harder.  Through searching the name via Google I discovered that a second Garrett-Cox, Lieutenant G H Garrett-Cox, had served and died in the Second World War and was commemorated along side Anthony on the Maidenhead War Memorial.  This was too much of a coincidence, they had to be related in some way.

Searching with the forename Garrett and the surname Cox, I was able to find Lieutenant Guy Henry Garrett-Cox's information on the Commonwealth War Graves website.  Lieutenant Guy Henry Garrett-Cox served in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve aboard the H.M.S Helca and died on 12th November 1942.

Guy Henry and Anthony Montague were brothers.  Both were born in Maidenhead to Samuel Henry Reuben Garrett-Cox, A music professor and organist at St Luke's Church in Maidenhead, and Gladys Irene Carter.  Guy Henry had been born in 1911 and Anthony Montague in 1914.  They were Reuben and Gladys's only children.

Just before the outbreak of World War Two on 1st May 1939, Guy Henry married Rosemary Simpson-Hayward in Celyon, Colombo.  In 1941 they celebrated the birth of their son, Martin Hayward Garrett-Cox.

Anthony enlisted with the Intelligence Corps of the British Army and was sent to Mauritius.  Guy enlisted with the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve and was stationed on the H.M.S Helca.

During his time in Mauritius, Anthony was attacked and left for dead, he returned home to England where he was sent to hospital.  Sadly the attack in Mauritius left more than physical scars for Anthony and on 4th August 1941, Anthony took his own life.  The Derby Evening Telegraph reported on 6th August 1941 -

"INJURED AND LEFT FOR DEAD

The suggestion that his mind may have been affected by an attack in Mauritius three years ago was made at the Westminster Inquest, to-day, on Lance Corporal Anthony Montague Garrett-Cox, aged 26, of the Intelligence Corps, who shot himself through the head with a revolver.

His father, Mr, Reuben Garrett-Cox, of Maidenhead, said that in Mauritius his son had been struck on the head eight times with a motor jack, and left for dead. 

He was in hospital for three months.

Recording a verdict that the Lance Corporal 'committed suicide while of unsound mind.' The coroner said that the Mauritius injury might have had some bearing on the state of his mind."


It must have been a terrible shock for Anthony's parents and brother.  To get their loved one back from the brink of death, only to lose him three years later.  Sadly, tragedy was about the strike the family again.  Just fifteen months later, Mr and Mrs R. Garrett-Cox were to lose their only surviving child, Guy.

Between the 11th and 12th November 1942, the H.M.S Helca was torpedoed just off the coast of Morroco by a German U-Boat U-515.   Of the 838 men aboard, 556 were rescued, 12 known to have been killed and 273 reported missing, presumed killed.  It is not clear whether Lieutenant Guy Henry Garrett-Cox was one of the known dead or those missing, but what is clear is that Lieutenant Guy never returned home.  Guy Henry Garrett-Cox's body was never recovered.  He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial and the Maidenhead War Memorial.

For more information on the torpedoing of the H.M.S. Helca and the resulting rescue efforts, please click here.

Samuel Henry Reuben Garrett-Cox passed away in 1966 in Maidenhead and Gladys Irene passed away in 1980 in Chiltern and Beaconsfield.  The loss of both their sons must have weighed greatly upon them.

Unfortunately I do not know what became of Guy's wife Rosemary.


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - The Fallen

 

Commonwealth War Grave of Lance Corporal A. M. Garrett- Cox Intelligence Corps.  4th August 1941 aged 26.

 

Son of R, Garrett-Cox and Gladys Irene Garrett-Cox of Maidenhead.

 

 

 

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Joseph Humpfry Fuller and his family - Millers of Ray Mill Island - Brewers of the Bell Brewery

Monument to Charles John Fuller, Emily Charlotte Fuller, Elizabeth Rebecca Fuller, Joseph Fuller and Alice Hambly Fuller, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"To The Memory Of 

Charles John Fuller 

Died Decr 16th 1872 

aged 3 weeks 

- Of such is the kingdom of heaven - 

Also Emily Charlotte Fuller 

Died March 9th 1884 

aged 23 years 

- Whom the Lord loveth the Lord chasteneth - 

Also Elizabeth Rebecca Fuller 

wife of Joseph Fuller 

Died November 4th 1884 

aged 54 years 

- Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her - 

Also Joseph Fuller 

Passed away March 11th 1917 

aged 91 years 

- Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord - 

Also Alice Hambly Fuller s

econd wife of the above 

Died Jan 13th 1927 - Asleep in Christ."

Joseph Humpfry Fuller was born in Maidenhead in 1826 to John Humpfry Milhern Fuller and his wife Charlotte.

The Fuller family in Maidenhead established Fuller, Story, & Company and built Bell Brewery in Maidenhead in 1852.

The first Census I can find Joseph on is the 1851 Census, he is living at his uncle Thomas Fuller's house in Wallingford, Oxfordershire. His occupation is given as a miller.

Elizabeth Rebecca Silcock was born in Ingoldisthrope, Norfolk, to George Silcock and his wife Mary Chadwick Stanton.

The first record of Elizabeth I was able to find, after her christening, was the 1851 Census where she is living in Heacham, Norfolk with her widowed mother Mary and her younger siblings, Martha, and Francis.

1861 finds the newly married Joseph and Elizabeth living at the flour mill on Ray Mill Island, Maidenhead, Berkshire, along with their 10 month old daughter Emily Charlotte. 

Joseph and Elizabeth's family continued to grow, in 1862 they welcomed their first son Francis Joseph, 1864 saw the birth of their second daughter Jessie Mary, 1865 another daughter Annie Grant was born and another daughter Gertrude Elizabeth in 1866.  A second son Alfred Bell was born in 1868 followed by another daughter, Marion in 1870.  Sadly a third son Charles John was born in 1872 only to pass away three weeks later.

In 1871 Joseph and his family are still living at Ray flour Mill in Maidenhead Berkshire.

In 1881 Francis Joseph has left the family to work as a clerk at a corn exchange in Clapham London and Alfred has been sent to a boarding school in Hove, Sussex.  Joseph, Elizabeth, and their remaining children have moved to Calcot House, Craufurd Rise, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Sadly just three years after the census was taken, both Emily Charlotte and Elizabeth Rebecca were dead.

Emily Charlotte passed away on 9th Match 1884. On 15th Match 1884 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcer:

"Deaths-

March 8 [sic], at Calcot House, Maidenhead, Emily Charlotte Fuller, eldest child of Joseph and Elizabeth Fuller, aged 23."

Elizabeth Rebecca passed away 4th November 1884. On 8th November 1884 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Deaths-

Fuller-On the 4th inst Calcot House, Maidenhead, Elizabeth Rebecca (Bessie), wife of Joseph Fuller, in her 55th year."

 
In 1886 in Barton Regis, Gloucestershire, Joseph married his second wife, Alice Hambly Edmonds.

Alice Hambly Edmonds was born 3rd Aril 1838 to Henry Edmonds, a merchant and his wife Elizabeth.  Alice's father died when she was young, leaving her mother a widow at the age of 27.  Through the 1861 Census until her marriage to Joseph, Alice lived with her uncle George Edmonds, a chemist and druggist in Surrey.

In 1891 Joseph and his second wife Alice are living at 2 Craufurd Terrace in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Joseph's children from his first marriage have all left home to live in various locations throughout the UK.

On 12th June 1894 at St Luke's Church, Jessie Mary Fuller married John Edward Gripper, a retired corn merchant twenty years her senior.

In 1901 Joseph and Alice are boarding in the home of John Vokes, a stone mason, at 3 Clifton Terrace, St Thomas, Hampshire.

By 1911 Joseph and Alice had moved to Hillsboro House, Gringer Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  The house still stands today and is currently subject of a planning dispute.  The current owner wishing to demolish Hillsboro House and it's Coach House to erect apartment housing.  The planning office is against this.

Six years later Joseph passes away on 11th March 1917.  On 28th March 1917 the a letter to the Maidenhead Advertiser read:

"Another Nonogenarian Passes Away

I was very sorry to learn from the Advertiser that Mr. Joseph Fuller had passed away. *I have been unable to locate this article* He was one of the few nonogenarians in Maidenhead, and he held the proud record of having been born in Maidenhead, Where he resided all his life. Mr. Fuller will always be remembered for his association with Ray Mills, adjoining Boulter's Lock. In his History of Maidenhead, Mr. J. W. Walker reminds us that Boulter was not a person at all. "To 'bolt' he explains, "is to perform one of the operations of milling, and a 'bolter' is a miller. This is not the lock of Mr. Boulter; it is the miller's lock'. Formally, a brewery stood next to the mill, one of the partners in which was Mr. Bell. In the process of time. Bell' Brewery was purchased by Messrs. Fuller and removed to the centre of the Borough, and when a new hotel rose near to the same, the original proprietors name was perpetuated in the sign of the 'Bell' Hotel."  Mr. Fuller continued to be the moving spirit of Ray Mills until a few years ago, when the Thames Conservancy purchased the mills and island in connection with the extension and improvement of Boulter's Lock and the erection of the mechanical craft elevator which so greatly relieved the lock pressure on busy pre-war operation. Mr. Fuller possessed remarkable vitality, and up to within a few days of his death was out walking with almost a youthful spring and speed, or riding his tricycle through our busy streets. We shall all greatly miss the familiar form of Mr. Joseph Fuller, a very highly esteemed life long resident."

Alice Hambly Fuller was to pass away 13th January 1927.

Cemetery Sunday - Cliveden War Cemetery

 

 

Cliveden War Cemetery, Cliveden House, Near Taplow, Buckinghamshire, England.

 

 

For a previous post on Cliveden War Cemetery, please click here.

 

 

 

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Flashback Friday - War Grave - Reginald John Pope

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 26th September 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".

 

 

 

Reginald John Pope was born in 1901 in Whymondham Norfolk to Elias Pope and Sarah Betts, Crockery Hawkers.  Reginald's family were Gypsies, travelling folk who sell their wares up and down the country.  On the 1911 Census the family are shown living in 'A gypsy caravan at Blackamore Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire', with their eight children, many of whom, including Reginald were attending a local school. 

 

Reginald served in the 4th Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment and may have fought in the Battle of Megidoo,  sadly he died in Maidenhead on 19th October 1918.  The fact that Reginald has a Commonwealth War Grave suggests that he died as a result of injury or illness sustained during his war service.  Unfortunately I have been unable to track down any of Reginald's war service records, which is not surprising as many WWI records were destroyed or damaged by fire during the Blitz.

 

 

 



Ann Ballantine widow of James Arthur Ballantine, Ship Broker of Bristol

Monument to Ann Ballantine, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In Loving Memory of 

Ann 

widow of 

Joseph A Ballantine of Bristol 

who fell asleep 

Sept 3rd 1884 

Aged 77 years."

Ann Ballantine was born  Ann Jones in Shapwick, Somerset in 1807 to William Jones and his wife Elizabeth Hockey.

On 18th September 1830 at the Church of St Michael the Archangel, Bristol

Sadly Ann and Joseph were to lose their first son William James Ballantine at the age of 2 in 1837.

Ann and Joseph first appear on the 1841 Census living in Queen's Square, Bristol with their three young children, Jane, Arthur, and Joseph. Joseph Sr's occupation is listed as a ship broker.  In 1842 Joseph's ship broker and insurance partnership with Thomas Robson Jackson was dissolved.

On the 1851 Census  the family were living at Richmond House in Bristol, Gloucestershire.  Living with them at the time are their six children, Jane, Arthur, Joseph, Harriet, Edmund, and Ellen as well as their niece and nephew Elizabeth, and Thomas Jackson. Joseph Sr's occupation is now given as an accountant. In 1852 the family welcomed another daughter, Sarah.

Sadly in 1856 Joseph Arthur Ballantine passed away in Swansea.

Five years later in 1861 the widowed Ann is still living in Bristol with five of her children, Jane and Arthur had left the family by 1861.  Harriet had married James Whyte, a provisions store owner in 1859 and had a daughter Annie Harriet born at sea in 1861.  Still living with the family is Ann's niece Elizabeth Jackson. Ann received an annuity from Joseph's will.

In 1871 Ann can be found living at 11 Devon Place in Newport, Wales with her son Joseph and youngest daughter Sarah.

1881, just three years before Ann's death, she can be found living with her son Joseph and her daughter Ellen at 24 St Mary's Road, Kensington, the lodgings house run by her eldest daughter, Jane Ballantine.

Ann was to pass away on 3rd September 1884 in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Cemetery Sunday - Lean On Me

 

Fallen gravestone propped against a footstone, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 



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Alfred Moore Cooper, Corn Merchant of Amwell End, Hertfordshire

 

 

 

Monument to Alfred Moore Cooper, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

"In Loving Remembrance Of 

Alfred Moore Cooper 

- Late of ware, Hertfordshire - 

Died July 15th 1873 

aged 28 years 

~I know that my redeemer liveth~"

 

 

Alfred Moore Cooper was born in Ware, Hertfordshire in 1844, to George Cooper, a corn merchant, and his wife Martha Moore.

 

On the 1851 Census, six year old Alfred is living with his parents and siblings George and Rosa, in the home of his maternal grandfather George Moore at Cannons, Baldock Street, Ware, Hertfordshire.

 

In 1861 the sixteen year old Alfred, now a Brewer's Clerk is living with his family in High Field, in Great Amwell, Hertfordshire.

 

1871, just two years before Alfred's passing, the twenty six year old is now a corn merchant, living in Amwell End, Ware, Hertfordshire with his younger sister Rosa.  At the same time Alfred's parents have moved to live in Pinkney's Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

On 15th July 1873, Alfred passes away aged just twenty eight years old in Marylebone, London.

On 26th July 1873 the Herts Advertiser reported:

"Deaths-

July 15, 14, Bulstrode-street, Cavendish-square, after lingering illness, Alfred Moore Cooper, late of Amwall End, Ware, Herts, the dearly-loved second son of Mr. George Cooper, Highway House, Maidenhead, in his 29th year." 

 

After Alfred's death, Rosa moved to Maidenhead to live with her parents.  However her father George Cooper was to die on 6th May 1876 aged fifty three.  In 1881 Rosa and her widowed mother, Martha are living in North Town, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

 

 

Cemetery Sunday - St Luke's Churchyard

 

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

 

 

 



Death in Childbirth - Ellen Box and her infant daughter Ellen Mary Gould Box

 

 

Monument to Ellen and Ellen Mary Gould Box, St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

"In fondest memory 

of Ellen Box 

dearly loved and loving wife 

who died September ? 1882 

aged 25 years.  

Also of 

Ellen Mary Gould Box 

who died September 1? 1882 aged 13 days."

 

There are verses engraved under each dedication, however they were too worn to read.

 

Ellen Box was born Ellen Turton in Hillingdon, Middlesex, the eldest child of George Turton, a grocer and his wife Elizabeth Randell.

 

Ellen first appears on the 1861 Census, aged four, living with her parents and two younger brothers James and Ebenezer at the family run grocery shop in Hillingdon, Middlesex.

 

In 1871, Ellen, now fourteen is still living with her parents at their grocery shop in Hillingdon, Middlesex.  Sadly young Ebenezer passed away in 1863 aged only two years, as did his infant sister Mary Ann.  But the Turtons had welcomed two sons and three daughters into their family since Ebenezer's passing, William, Alfred, Fanny, Mary Jane, and Emily.

 

In 1881 at the age of twenty four, Ellen is still living with and working at her parents'grocery shop.  The family has expanded to welcome a further two sons and two daughters, Ernest, Herbert, Alice and Edith.  Later that same year Ellen married Ebenezer Gould Box, a woollen merchant from Maidenhead, In Newington, London.

 

Soon after their marriage Ellen was expecting their first child together, a daughter Ellen Mary Gould Box.  Sadly tragedy was to strike the young family.  Ellen was to pass away first early in September 1882 followed by her baby daughter by mid September.  I am guessing that Ellen succumbed to complications after the birth of her daughter.  Both died in Chelsea, London. 

 

In 1886 Ebenezer married again, to Elizabeth Binns.  Their own family was to be touched by infant mortality.  In the early part of 1888 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, Reginald Ebenezer Gould Box.  Sadly baby Reginald was to pass away before his first birthday at the end of 1888.  Ebenezer and Elizabeth had a second son, Lewis S Box in 1894.

Cemetery Sunday - Mary and Jesus

 

Stained glass window depicting Mary and Jesus.  St Luke's Church, Maidenhead. Berkshire, England.

 

 

 



Ellen Knight and Her Husband Henry Knight - A Troubled Marriage

Monument to Ellen and Henry Knight, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In Loving Memory of Ellen the beloved wife of Henry Knight who passed away Jan 14th 1922 aged 77 years - At Rest - Also of Henry Knight who passed away Feb 1st 1928 aged 84 years."

Ellen Knight was born Ellen Davis in Wokingham, Berkshire in 1845 to Henry Davis, a shoemaker, and his wife Ellen. 

Ellen first appears on the 1851 Census aged seven years, living in Braywick, Bray, Berkshire with her parents and siblings, George, Mary Ann, Henry, James, and Emma.

I am having difficulty locating Ellen on the 1861 when she would have been around seventeen years of age, so it is possible that she was in service, and her details were recorded incorrectly.

Henry Knight was born in 1844 in Warfield, Berkshire to James Knight and agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary Wise

Henry first appears on the 1851 Census listed as H Knight, living with his parents and younger brother Joseph in Winkfield, Berkshire. !861 finds Henry in the employ of William Lovegrove, a baker in Bracknell, Berkshire

In 1867 Henry Knight and Ellen Davis marry in Windsor, Berkshire.

1869 sees the birth of their first child, a daughter, Emma, closely followed by a son, Henry in 1870.

1871 Census and the small family is living at Ray Park Cottages in Maidenhead Berkshire.

1872 saw the birth of a second daughter, Ellen and 1878 a third daughter Edith.  A month before the 1881 Census was taken, Ellen gave birth to her fourth daughter, Clara.  The Census records the family as living at 8 North Cottages in North Town, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Ellen's occupation is now listed as a laundress, possibly taking in washing to help support her growing family.

1884 sees the birth of a fifth daughter, Alice, followed by a second son, Edwin in 1888 and a third son, Joseph in 1889.

In 1891 the family has moved to Builders Villa in Bray, Berkshire.  Henry Snr's occupation is now listed as a market gardener.  The elder daughters Emma and Ellen are listed as assisting their mother in her laundress business, whereas Henry Jr is working as a gardener with his father. 

Henry and Ellen's marriage did not appear to be a very happy one. On 3th October 1895, Henry attempted to assault his wife and threatened her life. On 9th October 1895, the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:  

"DOMESTIC INFLICITY - A WIFE THREATENED

Henry Knight, of Water Oakely, was brought up on a warrant charged with having threatened to assault and beat his wife, Ellen Knight, on October 3rd. 

He pleaded Not Guilty.

The complainant said that the defendant had behaved vert cruelly towards her and had several times threatened her. On the previous day he entered the house and pulled off his coat and threatened to do for her, but her daughter and another woman kept him off. He was overpowering them, when she threw a bowl of boiling water into his face, but even this did not baulk him, and other then came to her aid. On Tuesday night defendant turned her and her daughter out of doors, and they had to remain out and seek shelter in the coachhouse [sic]. She had a daughter at Moulsford Asylum. On one occasion defendant fetched out all her china and glass and smashed it to atoms. She had some children suffering from "mumps" and had to look after them, notwithstanding this defendant continued his cruel behaviour. She was really afraid defendant would "do for her." This was the third time he had had to be taken to. He was once sent to gaol for seven days for threatening her and neglecting his cattle; he was sent to gaol from the Borough Police Court five years ago.

Defendant denied that he had been convicted of threatening or assaulting his wife, and said that it was for being drunk whilst in charge of a horse and cart.

This was confirmed by Superintendent Dorrell, while General Thompson showed from the magisterial record that in a case where the defendant was proceeded against by his wife for threatening her life the charge was withdrawn by the complainant. In reply to a question, complainant said that she had not proceeded against the defendant since 1890, but since that time he had behaved very cruelly indeed towards her, and she could bring neighbours to prove it.

Mary Keen said that the defendant went into the washhouse on the previous day to his wife, approaching her "like a madman," and but for herself and defendant's daughter she believed defendant would have "done for" his wife. She believed this by the way he went for her. He attempted to strike his wife and Mrs. Knight ran away to the Queen's Head until the police arrived.

Superintendent Dorrell explained that the complainant sent for the constable.

General Thompson to the complainant: What made you withdraw the summons against your husband before? 

-Because he said he was very sorry, and I forgave him.

-How long after that did he commence to threaten you again?

-Oh, directly afterwards, and have continued to do so ever since. I have had to run out at night after night with the children to escape from him and have often had to stop out. He would have injured me if I had not escaped from him.

Supt Dorrell said that there was no doubt that when the defendant was in drink he scarcely knew what he did. He was bordering on delirium tremens when he saw him yesterday.

Rev. T. Coney: How does he behave when sober?

Complainant: Why he is nearly as bad then. He is very cruel, sir. I think he should be examined by a doctor to see if he is right in his mind. I have had more to put up with from him than from my daughter who is now in the asylum.

The defendant declared that his wife had not told the truth. He had never struck the complainant in his life, though he had threatened her when she aggravated when he had had a little drink. When he was sober he never spoke an angry word to his wife. 

General Thompson: Then why do you get drunk?

-I don't very often, sir.

Emma Knight, daughter of the defendant said that she was in the wash-house when defendant came in, and she and a woman who was there stood between her mother and father. They were being overpowered by defendant when her sisters came from the kitchen and pulled her father back. they were all very much upset and could not hear what was said by her father, but he threatened to strike her mother. One of her sisters who came to their help was 13 years of age and the other 15. She thought it was on Tuesday night that defendant said that if she and her mother went indoors he would shoot them. Defendant had several times threatened to "do for" her mother, and to blow her brains out and knock her brains out.

Rev. T. Coney: Does he often get drunk?

-Yes, sir; he is hardly ever sober.

Supt. Dorrell said that defendant took vegetables, &c., int o Windsor Market, where he sold them. Con. Beachy said that he was called to the defendant's house on the previous day and found the complainant in an exhausted condition. He told him the complaint made against him. Defendant said that his wife and daughter would say and do all sorts to get his temper up, and that they had left the house of their own accord he did not turn them out. Defendant's daughter Emma said that he repeated turned her and her mother out at night and locked the door and they were obliged to seek shelter in the coach-house.

Magistrates ordered the defendant to be bound over in the sum of £10, with two sureties in £5 each, to keep the peace for 6 months in default two months' imprisonment. Addressing the complainant General Thompson advised her to exercise some forbearance towards her husband, and not to resort to "nagging" and provoking him. Complainant: What he has said about provoking him is not true. Defendant was asked if he could find sureties, and he appealed to a man named Davis, who was in court. Davis, who is brother to the complainant, he said he would be one surety for the defendant, who, he declared worked hard from daylight to dark, but was provoked and aggravated by complainant and her daughter. Complainant was his sister, but he liked what was fair. Complainant and her daughter were indignant at Davis's statement, and in tears, upbraided him. Davis went in search of another surety, and being successful, Knight was liberated." 

Five years later, in 1896, Emma left the family to marry William Swain Norsworthy, a painter and decorator from Maidenhead.

1901 the family has moved to The Briars in Bray, Berkshire.  Living next door at 5 Builders Cottages is Henry Jr, now a greengrocer, and his elder sister Ellen. 

Five years later, on 18th April 1906, Clara married Henry Arthur Collins, a dairyman from Fifield, Berkshire. On 25th April 1906, the Maidenhead advertiser reported:

"Marriage- On Wednesday last, at St Michael's, Bray, the marriage took place of Miss. Clara Knight, fourth daughter of Mr. Henry Knight, with Mr. Henry Arthur Collins, only son of the late Mr. Henry Collins, of Fifield. The bride was given away by her father, and she wore a dress of cream eoline, trimmed with chiffon, silk, lace, and medallions, and carried a splendid shower-bouquet of lilium harrissi, white roses, and lilies of the valley. Three bridesmaids were in attendance, the Misses. Edith and Alice (sisters of the bride), and Miss. Edith Norsworthy (niece), all wearing cream dresses and hats and carrying bouquets of pink azaleas and lilies of the valley.  Mr. Henry Knight, jun., fulfilled the duties of best man. During the day the bells rang out wedding peals. The happy couple were recipients of many hearty congratulations and presents. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. C. A. Ramond (Vicar)."

Henry was again charged with having assaulted his wife on 19th October 1895. On 30th October 1895, the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"FURNITURE-SMASHING AT WATER OAKLEY

Alleged Assault on Wife

Henry Knight, of Water Oakley, was charged with having, on 19th October, assaulted Ellen Knight, his wife.

He pleaded Not Guilty. 

Complainant said that on Friday last week, whilst she was at her ironing-board, her husband came in and struck her several violent blows on the back of her head with his clenched fists.

The Chairman: Did he knock you down?

-No, sir.

Rev. T. Coney: What time was this?

-I should think it was about half-past 9 or 10 o'clock.

-How many times did he hit you?

- I am not sure whether it was two or three times.

Continuing, the complainant said that on Saturday last, when her husband came home, she asked him if he would lend her the cart and horse to take her washing home, but he "flew into a rage" and would not lend it her; consequently, she had to hire. She was very much upset and walked into her next-door neighbour's house, but she had not been there very long before she heard dreadful screams from her children who were upstairs. One of her neighbours rushed in and found defendant smashing things upstairs. She did not go upstairs, for she was much too frightened to do so. Her husband smashed a clock and the things on the washhand stand. He had also broken the marble slab, which would so how violent he was. He did not touch the children, but he very much frightened them. 

The Chairman: Are there any marks on your head where he hit you?

-No, sir.

Defendant said that his wife picked up a hot iron with which she was ironing and put it against his face, which burnt him very much, and when he went into Windsor the next day he was told that he ought not to have been out as erysipelas, (skin infection) might set in. A lady gave him something to keep the cold away.

Complainant replied that she did do so, but that was after he aggravated her a great deal.

The Chairman: Why did you do that?

- Because he provoked me. He kept me up all night. he sat on the table where I was ironing and would not move. I said "If you don't move I'll burn you with the iron!"

Complainant went on to say that because her husband continued to break up the furniture she sent for a policeman. The Chairman asked whether she had a witness as to the assault. Complainant said that she had a witness, but the person was not there.

The Chairman: Didn't you tell the police you had a witness?

The Complainant said she was told not to bring any witness.

Constable Fenn: I was under the impression that she was assaulted on the Saturday night.

Mr. C. R. Thomas informed the magistrates that the police thought that a breach of the peace had been committed on Friday week.

Supt. Dorrell: She took refuge in a neighbour's house on Saturday because was afraid of him.

Constable Hardy disposed that on Saturday night, by the direction of Superintendent Dorrell, he went to defendant's house. He found the complainant and her daughter crying. He asked them what was the matter, and the wife replied that her husband had been worse since he had been bound over to keep the peace. Defendant was then upstairs, and witness went up into one of the rooms and found a clock broken and the washstand ware [sic] broken. He asked the defendant if he had broken the things, and he replied "My daughter threw the cock at me." When defendant came downstairs he asked his wife to forgive him, but she said "How can I?" and went out of the house crying.

Defendant said that whilst he was picking up some apples his daughter picked up the clock and threw it him, when the man came in from next door he was picking the clock up. Both wife and daughter struck him once or twice on Saturday night. On Friday night they knocked him down and hit him with a broom-handle. His wife told him that she would ruin him, because she had not the best of the case at the last hearing. He had tried to make her forget that. His daughter had been urging his wife on to do that. He had treated his daughter well, and had let her have her own way. She came into Maidenhead whenever she liked to see the young man she was going to marry. "I mean to say," added the defendant, "that my daughter and wife ought to be bound over to keep the peace, and not me."

Mrs. Knight was re-called, and the Chairman addressing her, said that similar case was gone into by them a few weeks ago, and her husband was bound over to keep the peace, and but not for the fact she had acknowledged that she had put a hot iron in defendant's face he would have been sent to prison. "is it right," asked Mrs. Knight, "for a husband to ruin his wife's constitution?" The Chairman reminded her that that was a matter they (the magistrates) could not go into.

Complainant: I wish my husband would speak the truth. He is a very bad man to speak of his daughter as he has done.

The Chairman told complainant that as she had struck her husband first she should not have come to court. If she hadn't struck him she might have come there. As she did so she must take the consequences.

Complainant: I can see it's no good, because he tells so many lies. I am sorry he's exposed his daughter.

The Chairman said that the case would be dismissed, but the same sureties in the first case would be bound over, and he would advise the sureties to be very careful.

Supt. Dorrell: I saw one surety on Saturday night and he said he would not be surety any longer for defendant.

The chairman said that the sureties would be fined £10 if defendant did not keep the peace.

Defendant: I can assure you, gentlemen, I don't wish to interfere with her.

Mr. Davis (one of the sureties): "I am sure there's not a more aggravating woman than my sister." He added that if he was in defendant's place he should not put up with it; he would go away and leave the lot. Of course, he was under a bond, and his sister and daughter no doubt would like to see him have to pay the amount. Mrs. Knight interposed that they did not wish anything of the kind."

In 1908 Henry Jr married his wife Emma, unfortunately I haven't been able to locate a marriage index for Henry and Emma. That same year on 29th January, Henry Snr was again charged for being drunk whilst in charge of a horse at Bray. He was fined 10 shillings, including costs.

By 1911 Ellen and Henry have moved to Spencer's Farm in Fifield, Berkshire.  Living with them are their youngest daughter and son, Alice and Joseph.  Joseph is now working as a domestic chauffer.

Edith is now a dress maker is lodging at the house of George Lovegrove at 4 Woodlands Villas, Datchet, Windsor, Berkshire.  Edwin is a domestic gardener for a large house in Hawthorn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Sadly, Ellen Jr is an inmate at the Berkshire County Lunatic Asylum, Cholsey, Berkshire.

On 14th January 1922 Ellen passed away at the Jesus Hospital, Bray, Berkshire. On 18th January 1922, the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Knight- On Jan. 14th, 1922, Ellen, wife of Henry Knight, aged 77."

Henry was to pass away six years later on 1st February 1928.