Dairyman of Kidwell's Park - Henry Lovejoy

All Saints Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 "In Loving Memory

of

Henry Lovejoy

Who Passed Away

November 28th 1908

Aged 74 Years

-

I Know That My Redeemer Liveth."

Henry Lovejoy was born in Bray Berkshire in 1834 to Parents Peter Lovejoy, and agricultural labourer, and his wife Hannah.

Henry first appears on the 1841 Census, aged 7, living in Oakley Green near Fifield, Berkshire, with his parents and siblings, George already an agricultural labourer at 10 years old, Sarah, Caroline, and baby Mary. Henry's older brother James Lovejoy, a carpenter, is boarding in the house of Sarah Langley in Victoria Street, New Windsor, Berkshire. In 1851 the family, including James are still living near Fifield, Berkshire. All the boys are listed as agricultural labourers along with their father.

In 1857 in Henry married Martha Grove and in 1861 the newlywed couple can be found in an area called Builder's Wells near Tithe Barn, Berkshire. The road has since been renamed Westbrook. Henry is listed as being a garden labourer and living with them is their 7-month-old daughter Clara Ann who was born in 1860. Later Annie was born in 1863. Sadly, Martha Lovejoy was to pass away in 1865 due to complications after giving birth to her third daughter Martha, the baby Martha was also to pass away. A year later in 1866, Henry's mother Hannah passed away. Later in 1867, Henry married Emma Bosher.

In 1871 the family had moved to the Green Beer House, in Holyport, Berkshire. Henry is listed as being a Dairyman. Living with the family are Clara Ann, Annie, and Emma and Henry's daughter Louisa.

1881 finds the family now living in Kidwells Lodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Henry is now a Dairy Farmer farming 100 acres and employing 6 men and 3 boys. Living with the family is Henry's widowed father Peter Lovejoy. in 1885 Clara Ann Lovejoy married William Thomas Rolfe and left the family home.

In August 1890 Henry took two young boys to court for property damage to his trees. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on the 27th August 1890 as follows:

"A Whipping.

John Saunders, and Waldeck-terrace, and James Gomm of Reform-lane, each 10 years of age, were said to have done wilful damage to some trees (willow-pollards) belonging to Mr. Henry Lovejoy.

Mr. Lovejoy, who is a farmer living at North Town, stated that on the 11th inst. he went towards his meadows in Sunnymead-lane at 10.30 a.m., and he saw three boys in one of them. He stood watching the boys, and saw some branches falling from the centre of one of his pollard trees. He went towards the tree and caught Gomm, but Saunders ran away. Gomm said, "If you'll forgive me, Mr. Lovejoy, I'll teel you all about it."  He asked him who cut the branches from the trees, and he replied, "Saunders. I was going to, only we saw you coming." He found his pollard damaged, and he put the damage at a shilling. Mr/ Lovejoy explained that there were two younger boys (named Laily) there, but he had not summoned them, and that he only summoned the defendants because he wished to put a stop to the damage being done to his property.

The parents were asked if they would whip their sons, if they were let off. Gomm said he would thrash his boy, but Mrs. Saunders said she could not beat her son. Asked if she would allow Gomm to do so she said "Yes," and Gomm promised to whip the two boys in the presence of the police, the case dismissed." - Maidenhead Advertiser, 27th August 1890.

1881 finds the family now living in Kidwells Lodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Henry is now a Dairy Farmer farming 100 acres and employing 6 men and 3 boys. Living with the family is Henry's widowed father Peter Lovejoy. in 1885 Clara Ann Lovejoy married William Thomas Rolfe and left the family home.  Henry's father Peter was to pass away in 1883 aged 86 years.

By 1891 the family had moved to North Town Farm in Maidenhead, where Henry is listed as just a farmer. That same year Lousia, known a Louie, married William Thomas Lynn.

1901 just 7 years before Henry's death he can be found living with his wife Emma, and daughter Annie at 25 Marlow Road, Maidenhead Berkshire. Henry is now a retired farmer. Visiting the family at the time is Ann Smart 

Henry was to pass away on 28th November 1908 aged 74. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on his death as follows:

"Death of Mr. Henry Lovejoy

One of maidenhead's oldest and best-known passed away on Saturday last - Mr. Henry Lovejoy, who died at his residence "Ænon," Marlow-road, at the age of 74 years. Mr. Lovejoy had been failing in health for some time, but was able to get about and take walks within two days of his death. Mr. Lovejoy was highly respected in the town and neighbourhood, being of a kindly, sympathetic disposition, and in the best sense of the term a Christian gentleman. He came to Maidenhead in 1870, and until some eight years ago he was a dairy-farmer at Kidwell's Park, North Town farm, and Redstone Farm. About eight years ago he retired from business. He was at the time of his death a sidesman for St. Mary's Church, which position he filled for many years. He was pressed to succeed the late Mr. R. Clifton Davy as the Churchwarden, but owing to his failing health declined the honour. He took a keen interest in the work of the church, and the loss of his assistance will be very much felt...

The funeral will take place to-day (Wednesday), at Maidenhead Cemetery." - Maidenhead Advertiser, December 2nd 1908.

Emma and Annie Lovejoy were to remain at Ænon, Marlow Road, Maidenhead until their deaths in 1909 and 1932. Annie never married.