Musical Genius, Church Organist and Builder - Joseph Love Silver and Elizabeth Silver

 

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

"Sacred 

to the Memory

of

Joseph Love silver

Who Entered Into Rest

On September 16th 1911

In His 72nd Year.

'There Remaineth Therefore A Rest To The People Of God'. Heb. IV 9

Also In Loving Remembrance of 

Eliza

Widow Of The Above

Who Fell Asleep On Oct 7th 1919

In Her 81st Year.

'The Night Is Passed. And Lo, It Is Day'."

Joseph Love Silver was born in Tittle Row, Maidenhead, Berkshire om 29th January 1840 to parents Richard Silver, a carpenter and builder, later Alderman and Justice of the Peace for Maidenhead, and Mary Kay. 

Joseph's mother and two sisters are buried at St James the Less, Stubbings. You can read about them here: Silver - Believeth.

Joseph can first be found on the 1841 Census living with his parents in Tittle Row, Berkshire. The family ran a building business called Silver and Sons. In 1844 Silver and Sons built the St John the Baptist Church in Cookham Dean

In 1851 the family is still living in Tittle Row, but has expanded to include Augusta born in 1842, Kate born in 1846 (living with her aunt and uncle Sarah and James Silver in 1851), Agness born in 1848, and Annette born in 1850. Sadly, Augusta was to pass away in 1860, and Annette in 1861. Visiting the family at the time of the 1851 Census is Maria Ashwell King.

In 1856 Silver and Sons manufactured the bricks used in the construction of All Saint's Church, Boyn Hill Maidenhead. Silver and Sons owned a brick and tile works in believed to have been in Bisham.

1861 Jospeh, now a builder working for his father, is still living with his family, now including James Edward born in 1852, in Tittle Row. In 1862 in Bray Berkshire Joseph married Eliza Susannah Mills. 

Elizabeth Susannah Mills was born in 1839 in Stepney, Middlesex to parents Robert Mills, a grocer, and Martha Fletcher. In 1841 the family can be found living in Great Titchfield Street, Marylebone, London. 

By 1851 Eliza has moved with her family to Maidenhead High Street where they run a grocery shop. Eliza's mother Martha would pass away in 1856. In 1861 Eliza is still living with her widowed father and younger brother in Maidenhead High Street.

In 1871 Joseph and Eliza can be found living in Maidenhead High Street, where Joseph is listed as a builder and organist. Joseph had since taken over the family business of Silver and Sons. Living with them are their children, Alice Augusta 1865, Helen Annette born 1868, Eva Mary born 1869, and Amy Martha born in 1871. Joseph was the organist and choir master for St Luke's Church, Maidenhead. In 1874 resigned as choirmaster and organist for St Luke's. The Musical Times and Singing Circular reported:

"Maidenhead - In a meeting in the National Schools on the 19th ult., the choir of St. Luke's Church presented Mr. J. L. Silver, organist and choirmaster, on his resignation, with a very elegant Album (in which is to be placed a portrait of each member) in appreciation of his professional ability and kindness of manner to them on all occasions."  - The Musical Times and Singing Circular, Vol 16, No. 375, May 1st 1874. - A History of the Parish.

In 1879 Joseph's business Silver &Sons was contracted to build St Joseph's Church in Cookham Road, Maidenhead.

"In 1879 Canon John Scannell acquired a 'finely situate' acre of land as the site a Parish Church and set about raising funds at erect a building to accommodate the town's growing Catholic population. The eminent architect Leonard Stokes was appointed and the builders were Messrs Silver and Sons and Filewood." 

By 1881 Joseph and his family have moved back to Tittle Row, including Arthur Richard born in 1874, and Kate born in 1877. 1891 and the family remain in Tittle Row, the address of the house given as Fountain Cottage where Joseph remained living until his death in 1911. in 1894 Silver and Sons erected the Bath Stone spire of St Luke's Church, Maidenhead.

In 1904 Joseph was involved in a serious accident. The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on 22nd October 1904:

"Serious Accident At Maidenhead

On Friday morning last a somewhat serious trap accident occurred on Castle Hill, Maidenhead. Mr. T. A. Durrant's son Colin was returning from delivering meat in the Castle Hill district and when about halfway down the hill, between the railway bridge and Messrs Cooper and Son's, the band of the harness gave way, and the startled horse, in breaking free from the harness and cart swerved the latter round and overturned a trap coming in the opposite direction, and in which was Mr. Joseph Silver, of Altwood-road, and his man Marsh who was driving. Mr. Silver was badly shaken, while Marsh sustained an injury to one of his shoulders, and was incapacitated for work. Mr. Silver had only recently recovered from a severe illness, and he had to take his bed again on his arrival home in a cab. The trap was badly damaged, Mr. Durrant's horse, getting free bolted down the High-street and Bridge-street, and proceeding by the riverside returned to the High-street via North Town and Market street. It was stopped at the Saracen's Head, after a quarter of an hour's good gallop, during which it kicked off a couple of shoes and injured its legs. Fortunately, no further personal injury was sustained. It was lucky that the animal did not drag the cart with it as it careered down the High street, as a good deal of traffic was about, and a serious collision would have been inevitable. Mr. Silver, we are glad to say, is progressing satisfactorily." - Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer, 22nd October 1904.

Joseph was to pass away on 16th September 1911 aged 71 years old. Elizabeth was to follow Joseph later on the 7th October 1919. 

The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on 20th September 1911 as follows:

"Death of Mr. Joseph Silver

We much regret to have to record the death of one of the oldest and most esteemed residents of Maidenhead, Mr. Joseph Love Silver, A.R.C.O. (associate of the Royal College of Organists), eldest son of the late Alderman R. Silver J.P., of Tittle Row, Maidenhead. Mr. Joseph Silver had been unwell for some years, but it was only a few days before his death that his condition gave any cause for anxiety. He had been addended some years by Dr. Moore, who did all that medical skill could suggest to prolong his patient's life. Mr Silver was able to transact business up to within a short time of his death, but ominous developments ultimately rendered it necessary for him to keep his bed. Unfortunately, his condition did not improve, and he passed away peacefully on Saturday last, at the age of 71.

Mr. Silver was born on 29th January 1840, at Tittle Row. Early in life he was seen to be possessed of considerable musical talent, and his parents encouraged him all they possibly could in his musical studies. Subsequently, he became associated with the Royal College of Organists, and took the degree of A.R.C.O. in 1872. He was organist at St. Luke's Chruch, Maidenhead, for ten years, resigning through stress of business in 1877. He served as organist under two Vicars of St. Luke's - the late Rev. W. B. Hole and the Rev. W. G. Sawyer. Previous to this he was an organist at Maidenhead Congressional Church. West-street, during the pastorate of the eat Rev. John Mcfarlane. On resigning his post at St. Luke's, presentations were made to Mr. Silver by the clergy and congregation in recognition of his valuable services and as a mark of esteem and goodwill.

He was quite an enthusiast in musical matters and a recognised authority on organ-building, in connection with work he was frequently consulted and prepared plans and specifications. Mr. Silver was a college-friend of Dr. Bridge of Westminster Abbey, and was well known by all the leading organists of the time. He was also a composer of organ-music, and some of his compositions are still favourites in local churches. These include chants and settings to the Te Deum Kyrie, Venite, and other portions of the Church Service. Mr. Silver was very gifted in extempore playing and many of our readers will recall with pleasure recitals given by him in various churches, more especially at St. Lukes, St. Pauls, and St. Peter's. It is not too much to say that he was a musical genius; his whole soul entered into his playing, and the service of praise was always marked by the truest reverence and devotion and real sympathy when he was seated at the keyboard of the organ. To the musical world, Mr. Silver's death is a great loss. He was a Christian gentleman in the highest sense of the term, and was greatly loved by all who were privileged to enjoy his friendship. The deceased was throughout the greater part of his life a valued member of the well-known firm of Messrs. Silver and Sons builders, etc., Altwood Works, and at the time of his death was one of the firm Messrs. Silver and Sons Ltd.

The deepest sympathy is felt with Mrs. Joseph Silver - who we regret to say is an invalid - and family in their great bereavement. The funeral with take place this (Wednesday) afternoon, at 3.30, at Maidenhead Cemetery." Maidenhead Advertiser, 20th September 1911. 

Cemetery Sunday - Buried Beneath The Holly Tree

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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

 

  

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 - Lean On Me

 

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

 

 

 



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Flashback Friday - Weather Worn and Forgotten

*Originally posted 15th May 2012*

? Aged 71 Years

Mary ?

Two weather worn and eroded gravestones found at St James the Less, Stubbings, Burchett's Green and St Luke's Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

The only information that can be gleaned from these stones are, 'Aged 71 Years' and 'Mary'.

An all too common sight in Britain's churchyards and cemeteries.  The poorer classes were not able to afford the marble and granite markers of their rich counterparts.  Having to make do with softer local stone or Limestone.  Sadly decades and even centuries of wind and rain has stripped them of their identities and thrown them into worn obscurity.

 

 

 

Cemetery Sunday - Stone Faces

 

 

Stone faces carved onto the walls of St Luke's Church, Maidenhead Berkshire.