Flashback Friday - Mary and Richard Gorton of Chuffs Farm Holyport

Monument to Mary Sarah Gorton and Richard Gorton of Chuffs Farm, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"Sacred To The Memory Of

Mary Sarah

beloved wife of Richard Gorton

(of Chuffs Farm Holyport)

Who died August 10th 1904

Aged 76 years.

Also

Richard Gorton

Who died July 29th 1915

Aged 85 years."

Mary Sarah Gorton was born Mary Sarah Snook in 1830 in West Knoyle, Wiltshire to William Snook, a farmer, and his wife Jane Ovens.

Mary lived on her parents farm until her marriage to Richard Gorton, a farmer and baker in 1853 in Highworth Wiltshire.

Richard was born in 1831 in Highworth Wiltshire to Charles Gorton, a baker, and his wife Jane Yeats.

Richard, Mary and their family of twelve children moved around Wiltshire farming until the late 1890s when they moved to Holyport in Berkshire to run Chuffs Farm and Diary.  The 1901 Census shows Richard and Mary living at Chuffs Farms with their daughter Mary.  However Mary Sarah was to pass away three years later.

The 1911 Census shows widowed Richard living with his spinster daughter Mary at 8 Broadway, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Richard was to pass away in 1915.

Their daughter Mary was to pass away in 1929, 14 years after the death of her father.  Unfortunately I have been able to trace her place of burial.

Flashback Friday - Frances Louisa Comber - Nightwatchman's Wife

Monument to Frances Louisa Comber, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In Loving Memory Of

Frances Louisa

beloved wife of Charles Comber

who fell asleep April 28th 1907

aged 52 years. 

 Her End Was Peace."

Frances Louisa Comber was born Frances Louisa Gardner in Clapham London around 1855.  I have been unable to track down her birth records or any early census information as Frances continually swapped her first names throughout her life.

In 1878 Frances married Charles Comber, a police constable, in Wandsworth Surrey.  In 1881 the newlyweds can be found living at 35 Union Street in Clapham London with their two young daughters Louisa aged one year and Lucy aged just six days.  At that time Frances was using the name Louisa.

1891 finds the family have moved to Oakley Green in Bray.  Charles in now a Night Watchman and the family has expanded to include Charles William aged nine, Marther [sic] aged four, Ernest aged two and baby Albert, just eleven months old.  Frances is now using the name Frances Lou.

Another ten years pass (1901) and the family have moved to Braywood Cottages in Bray.  Charles is still a Night Watchman, but Frances has now gone back to using the name Louisa.  Their family has expanded again to include Amelia aged eight and three year old Elizabeth.

Sadly Frances was to pass away on 28th April 1907, the death index has her name listed as Louisa Frances.

Charles comber passed away in Eton, Buckinghamshire in 1929.

He must have loved Frances very much to have such a beautiful monument made in her memory.

Flashback Friday - George and Emma Hunt from Zoos to Confectionary to Domestic Service

Monument to George and Emma Hunt, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory of our mother Emma Hunt who died May 13th 1925 aged 78 years

Also of

our father George Hunt who died at Aldershot December 5th 1889 aged 44 years"

 

George Hunt was born in St Pancras London in 1846 to James Hunt, principle keeper at London Zoological Gardens, and Elizabeth Greenaway.  On the 1851 census, five year old George can be found living with his parents, older siblings Elizabeth and Martha as well as his grandmother Elizabeth Greenaway at the Zoological Gardens in Regent's Park, London.  By 1861 James had retired as a keeper and by 1871 had taken up accountancy.  George later became a confectioner.

On 19th April 1873 George married Emma Misselbrook at St Pancras. Emma Misselbrook was born in 1847 in Marylebone, London to Benjamin Misslebrook, a head keeper at London Zoological Gardens, and Jane Goulden.

Together George and Emma had six children; James Benjamin, Emma, Minnie, Kate Misselbrook, George James and May.  James Benjamin, Emma and George James were to all die tragically young, Emma and George both aged 30 years and James in infancy. 

In 1881 George, Emma and their children, Emma, Minnie, Kate and George James are living in Weybourne Road in Farnham, Surrey, where George is working as a confectioner.

George was to also die young, aged 44 in 1889.

 After George's death Emma went into domestic service with her daughter Kate Misselbrook Hunt. They can be found living at 61 Ifield Road, Kensington London long with seventeen year old Emma who is working as a draper's assistant and eight year old May who is attending school. Fifteen year old Minnie is working as a housekeeper for the Harris family in Lewisham.  In 1901 Emma and her daughter Kate are working as domestic housekeeper in Sturt Green, Holyport.  I have been unable to locate Minnie after the 1891 Census.

In 1904 Kate married James William Thomas, an electrical engineer.

In 1911 Emma is living with her youngest daughter May at The Lodge, Holyport, Berkshire.  Both are working as domestic housemaids.  Emma remained in Holyport until her death in 1925

Flashback Friday- John and Elizabeth Day of Moor Farm, Holyport, Berkshire

Monument to John and Elizabeth Day, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory of

John Day

died January 13th 1906

aged 56 years

at rest

'Thy will be done'.

And of

Elizabeth Day

died December 21st 1938

aged 85 years."

 

John Day was born  in 1849 in Shottesbrooke, Berkshire to John Day, a Farmer of 133 acres, employing 12 labourers, and Mary Ann Ashton.  John's mother Mary Ann passed away in 1874 and the family with widower John Snr can be found on the 1881 census living at Pond Wood Farm in Shottesbrooke Berkshire.  Visiting the family is Elizabeth Newport.

John married Elizabeth Newport on 13th July 1883 at st Barnabas Church in Islington Middlesex.  Together they had six children, four sons and two daughters. Sadly they were to experience the loss of their baby son Robert in 1901.

John passed away on 13th January 1906 leaving Elizabeth to take over their farm in Holyport.  Her sons John and Arthur Newport Day retrued to the family home at Moor Farm in Holyport to help their mother run the family business.  The Slough, Eton Observer reports at the time;

"Holyport.  Death of well-known local farmer.-  We regret to have to record the death on Saturday afternoon of a well-known and highly respected local farmer-Mr. John Day, of Moor farm, Holyport- after a short illness. Mr day, who formally lived at white Waltham, had farmed at Holyport for a number of years.  He was of a genial disposition, and had many friends.  He took a keen interest in local affairs, and at the time of his death he was a member of the Bray Parish Council.  Much sympathy is felt with Mrs. Day and her family in the great loss in which they have sustained."

Moor Farm is a 13th Century farm house that was first owned by John Atte More in 1270.  It is now a bed and breakfast with holiday cottages attached.

Second World War Private Monument - Pilot Officer Gerard Hamilton Maffett, Royal Air Force

 

"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".

 

Gerard Hamilton Maffett was born 11th June 1916 in Murree, India to Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Ernest Maffett and his wife Gwendoline Mary de Rutzen.

Gerard was educated at Imperial Service College in Windsor, Berkshire.  In 1934 he finished his education and took a job with the Daily Mail in London.  Four years later Gerard enlisted with the Royal air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) as a U/T Pilot.  He started out flying Tiger Moths from White Waltham airfield near Maidenhead, Berkshire.  On 22nd June 1940 Gerard converted from Tiger Moths to Hurricane aircraft and joined 257 Squadron at Northolt on 7th July 1940.

Gerard Hamilton Maffett

Gerard flew on his first operation on 18th August 1940 where he is credited for destroying a Dornier Do17 aircraft and damaging a Heinkel He111.

On 31st August 1940, nine Hurricanes took off from Martlesham Heath at 8:25am ordered to patrol Debden at 15,000 feet.  The Squadron climbed towards Debden, but encountered two large formations of Junkers Ju88 aircraft at 14,000 feet with several formations of Messerschmitt Bf110s at 16,000 feet.  Unable to catch up with the Junkers Ju88s the squadron pursued the Messerschmitt formations.  At least six Messerschmitt Bf110s were destroyed, however the squadron suffered the loss of two Hurricanes.  One of those was Gerard's P3175, which crashed into the foreshore at Stone Point, Walton-on-the-Naxe, Essex at around 8:50am.  Gerard was able to bail out of his stricken aircraft but his parachute failed to open due to the low altitude.  Gerard was killed on impact.

Gerard's elder brother John Francis Maffett, Wing commander with the R.A.F was also killed in action on 12th February 1942.  He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Egham, Surrey.

Reginald Ernest Maffett passed away in 1949 and Gwendoline Mary in 1975 aged 100 years.

Between 1972 and 1973 the remains of Gerard's crashed Hurricane, including the instrument panel and windscreen, together with an almost complete engine and the remains of the three wooden propeller blades were recovered.  *They're now displayed in The Battle of Britain Museum in Hendon, London.

*No longer on display.


They gave their tomorrows for our todays.

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.

Taphophile Tragics - Annabella Atkinson - Gardener's Wife

Monument to Annabella Atkinson, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In Loving Memory of Annabella the beloved wife of Joseph Atkinson who died October 6th 1911 aged 50 years."

Annabella Atkinson was born Annabella Douglass in 1861 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland to Stephen Douglass, an iron founder, and Mary Jane Carr.

Annabella first appears on the 1861 Census aged just five months, living at 53 Railway Street in Newcastle, Northumberland with her parents and elder siblings, Mary aged five and Anna aged four

Annabella next appears on the 1871 Census, aged ten years, living at 31 Albert Street in Gateshead, County Durham, with her parents, maternal grandmother Elizabeth Douglass and her younger siblings, Thomas aged seven, Catherine aged five and Jane aged two.

By 1881 the twenty year old Annabella is working as a live in servant for the Laig family At Thornhill House in Bishop Wearmouth, Sunderland.

1891 and Annabella has moved to the small household of Albert Palmer at 14 Windsor Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, where she's working as a cook.

Just a year later, Annabella married Joseph Atkinson, a gardener from County Durham, in Morpeth.  The first child, a daughter Nora arrives in 1894, followed by a son John Ernest in 1896.

1901 finds the little family living at 2 Primrose Place, Gateshead, County Durham.  Living with the family at the time is Joseph's widowed mother Ann Marshall.

In 1904 a second daughter Violet Hilda was born and in 1906 a second son Douglass followed.

1911 and Annabella and her family have moved to The Gardener's Cottage at Oakley Court, Bray, Berkshire.  Nora Atkinson, now aged seventeen is working as a school teacher and fifteen year old John Ernest is a learning electrical worker.

Sadly just six months after the 1911 Census was taken, Annabella passed away.



Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - Small Angel

 

Small Angel, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport, Maidenhead, England.

 

 

 

 

Cemetery Sunday - IHS Cross

 

IHS Cross, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

 



Frederick Albert Wolff May, Steamship Owner and Business Manager, and Ida May his wife

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ida May was born Ida Elizabeth Agnes Patrickson in 1878 in Newcastle, Northumberland to Anthony Patrickson, a saddler, and his wife Elizabeth.  Ida first appears on the 1881 Census as Lizzie, aged 3, living with her parents and elder sister Margaret, at 100 Gloucester Road, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Northumberland. In 1891 the family had moved to 73 Maple Street, Elswick, Northumberland. In 1897 Ida gave birth to a son, Cecil Galandez Patrickson, no father was given when Cecil was christened on 19th December 1902 in Westminster, London. However, Cecil was to later adopt the surname May.

 

In 1911 Frederick and Ida are living together as man and wife at Woodmancote, Cliveden, near Maidenhead. Living with them at the time is Ida's younger sister Florence Patrickson.  Cecil, aged 15, is possibly working as a domestic footman in Hampshire, for the Sandford family. In 1913 Frederick married Ida in St George Hanover Square, London. Frederick Wolff May was to pass away on 16th August 1924 at the relatively young age of 51 in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

I have been unable to locate a death for Ida, unfortunately the details on the monument we illegible.  

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

Lady Eleanor Margaret Barry of Ockwells Manor, Bray, Berkshire - Expired Suddenly in a Train

Monument to Eleanor Margaret Barry, Bray Parish cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In the memory of Eleanor Margaret dearly loved wife of Sir Edward Barry. B. 11th February 1916."

Eleanor Margaret Barry was born Eleanor Margaret Scott in 1866 in Simla, India to Colonel Courtenay Harvey Saltron Scott and his wife Margaret Julia Colquhoun.  She was the elder sister of Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson.

The earliest record of Eleanor in the United Kingdom is the 1881 Census, where Eleanor is living with her parents and siblings at 17 Eccleston Square in Westminster area of London.

On 10th February 1891 married Sir Edward Albert Barry, second Baronet of St Leonard's Hill and Keiss Castle, at Saint Jude, South Kensington. On December 24th 1893 their first child Cicely Eleanor Barry was born

In 1901 Eleanor can be found on the census living at Ockwells Manor in Bray Berkshire with her children Margaret Colquhoun and Edward Courtenay Tress.  Unfortunately, I am unable to locate either Cicely or Edward Albert on the 1901 Census.

In 1911 Edward and Cecily are back in the family home along with Rosamunde who was born in 1901.

Sadly, Eleanor was to pass away suddenly on 11th February 1916.  The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on the 19th February 1916,

"WINDSOR.  Death of Lady Barry. Expires suddenly in a train.

We regret to record the death of Lady Barry, wife of Sir Edward Barry. Bart, of Ockwells Manor, near Windsor, which occurred with painful sadness whilst travelling on the Great Eastern Railway between King's Lynn and London, on Friday afternoon, 11th February.  Sir Edward, who had retired from the Royal Berks Yeomanry Regiment with the rank of Lieut-Colonel, took a temporary commission as Major or second-in-command on the outbreak of the war, and he has recently been quartered at King's Lynn with the 2/1st Regiment of the Berks Yeomanry, together with his son Lieut Courtenay Barry

In celebration of their silver wedding anniversary on Wednesday in last week, Lady Barry travelled to Lynn to spend a few days with her husband and son, and was returning with Sir Edward when she had a fatal seizure, the rupture of a large blood vessel internally causing failure of the heart's action and almost instant death.  On arrival and Liverpool-street terminus, the railway officials lent every assistance, a doctor being summoned and the body conveyed to the mortuary in close proximity.

The inquest held by the Deputy-Coroner for the City on Monday, when the evidence of identification was given by Sir Edward Barry, and the medical testimony showed that her deceased Ladyship passed away practically without pain and instantaneously.

The jury returned a verdict of Death by Natural Causes."

Eleanor left her estate to her daughter Cecily, the Reading Mercury reported on 28th April 1917:

"Lady Eleanor "Margaret Barry, Manor, Bray, Berks, wife of Sir Edward Arthur Barry, F.S.A., second baronet, daughter of Courtenay H. S. Scott, of Pennant Hall, Montgomeryshire, whose death occurred February 11th, left estate of the gross value £1,211 95., with net personalty .£313 11s. 9d. Miss Cicely Eleanor Barry of Ockwells Manor, her daughter, is the sole executrix."

Family Connections: Sister - Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson.

Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson of Quarwood House

Monument to Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson born 20th June 1868 died 21st May 1948 daughter of Colonel and Mrs C.H.S. Scott and wife of James Gray Flowerdew Lowson J.P. Ph.D  Member:  King's Bodyguard for Scotland (Royal Company of Archers) of Quarwood House Stow-on-the-Wold. Gloucestershire and Mother of Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew Lowson, Bart.. M. A.. L. C. C Lord Mayor of London 1950-1951."

Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson was born Adelaide Louisa Scott in Simla, Bengal, India on 20th June 1868 to Colonel Courtenay Harvey Saltron Scott and his wife Margaret Julia Colquhoun

On the 1881 Census Adelaide can be found living at 17 Eccleston Square in the Westminster area of London with her parents and elder sister Eleanor Margaret.

On 19th July 1890 Adelaide married James Gray Flowerdew Lowson, son of William Lowson and Helen Flowerdew.  James Gray Flowerdew Lowson was a Justice of the Peace, Captain of 9th Battalion Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment), Member of the Royal County Archers and 1st District Commissioner of the Boy Scouts Stratford-on-Avon and Stow-on the-Wold as well as being the Life Governor of U College Dundee. On the 1891 Scottish Census the couple can be found living at Hedderwick Hill Mansion House, Dunbar.

Together Adelaide and James had three children Eleanor Margaret Flowerdew Lowson born 1892, Courtenay Patrick Flowerdew Lowson born 1897 and Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew Lowson born 1906.

On the 1901 Scottish Census Adelaide can be found living at 18 Coates Gardens, Edinburgh, with her husband and two elder children, Eleanor and Courtenay.

1911 and the family has moved to Snitterfield House in Stratford-on-Avon. 

Eleanor married Major General William Revell Smith and served as an Officer in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry in World War I

Courtenay Patrick served the during the First World War as an Observer with the Rifle Brigade attached to the Royal Flying Corps. In December of 1915 he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and then Lieutenant in the July of 1917.  In March 1916 he became a flying instructor but was sadly killed in a flying accident on 3rd November 1917 when his plane collided mid-air with the plane of Lieutenant Owen Ellis Augustus Allen in Scampton Lincoln. The Scotsman reported on 8th November 1917:

"Sec. Lt Courtenay Patrick Flowerdew Lowson, who was killed on November 3rd in an aeroplane accident, was the elder son of Mr J. G. Flowerdew Lowson, of 18 Coates Gardens, Edinburgh, and was 20 years of age. He was educated at Boxgrove School and Winchester, and qualified for Christ Church College, Oxford but owing to the war, did not take up residence. He-passed through Sandhurst in December 1915, he was gazetted into the Rifle Brigade, and was immediately thereafter attached to the Royal Flying Corps.  He went to France as Observer in March 1916, and did much photographic work. He was present at the battle of the Somme. After taking out his pilot's certificate, he was made instructor in flying, and at the time of his death had charge a flight."

The 1939 England and Wales Register finds Adelaide, James, and their youngest son Denys living at Quarwood House, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire. James was to pass away on 16th September 1942. The Cheltenham Chronicle reported on 26th September 1942:

"MR. JAMES G. FLOWERDEW LOWSON DEAD 

The death has taken place at his home, Quarwood, Stow-on-the-Wold. of Mr. James Gray Flowerdew Lowson, Ph.D., at the age of 82, after a short illness. Mr. Lowson was a distinguished chemist and was the last surviving son of Mr. William Lowson, of Balthayock, Perthshire, a former Deputy Lieutenant of Perthshire. Mr. Lowson was educated at j Edinburgh and Heidelberg Universities, and then worked for a short time at the Sorbonne in Paris. He became interested in the study of the practical application of science to industry and spent three years in Scotland an ordinary workman in this connection.

CHEMICAL RESEARCH WORK 

He then proceeded with his chemical researches, largely in connection with paper-making materials. During the last war he served as member of several Government Committees connected with industrial masters. In his younger days he was a member of Midlothian County Council. Mr. Lowson was a Member of the King's Bodyguard (Royal Company of Archers) for Scotland, and for some years served as a captain in the 9th (Highland Battalion) Royal Scots. He was a life governor of University College, Dundee, also a governor of the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Adelaide Flowerdew Lowson, and by one son, Mr. Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew Lowson, a barrister and a former Sheriff of the City of London. He was buried in the family grave at Kinfauns, Scotland."

Adelaide was to pass away on 21st May 1948 in Bournemouth, Hampshire. The Gloucestershire Echo reported on 24th May 1948:

"DEATH OF MRS. FLOWERDEW LOWSON 

The death has taken place in her 80th year at Bournemouth of Mrs. Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson, formerly of Stow-on-the-Wold, who will be remembered for the prominent and active part she took in the Conservative cause in Gloucestershire. Daughter of the late Col. C. H. S. Scott, Bengal Staff Corps, and of Mrs. Scott, of Pennant Hall, Montgomeryshire, she married the distinguished chemist, Dr. James Gray Flowerdew Lowson, of Quarwood. Stow-on-the-Wold, and Balthayock, Perthshire, who died at Stow-on-the-Wold in September 1942, at the age of 82. Over great number of years Mrs. Flowerdew Lowson closely identified herself with the Cirencester and Tewkesbury Conservative and Unionist Association, which she was for years the vice-chairman. She was well known in all parts of the constituency and was a forceful speaker who was always ready to take her full part in events. 

FOR "DEVOTED SERVICE" 

On the death of her husband, she went to live at Bournemouth, and the appreciation of the members of the Association was expressed in the presentation of a book inscribed with a tribute to her "able and devoted service and comradeship as vice-chairman of the Association from April 29, 1922, to May 29, 1943." Mrs. Flowerdew Lowson had a son and daughter, Mr. Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew, a barrister and former Sheriff of the City of London, and Mrs. Eleanor M. Revell Smith, of Slapton Manor, near Towcester, Northamptonshire" 

Sir Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew Lowson became Lord Mayor of London on 30th September 1950 on 27th June 1951 the Lowson Baronetcy was created for Denys Lowson.  Presently the title is held by his son Sir Ian Patrick Lowson, 2nd Baronet.

Family Connections: Sister - Lady Eleanor Margaret Barry of Ockwells Manor.

Quarwood House

John Burdett, Nurseryman, and Seedman of Bridge Street, Maidenhead, and his wife Susanna Burdett - Bankruptcy and Alms Houses.

Monument to John and Susanna Burdett, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In loving memory of John Burdett.  Who fell asleep May 2nd 1905.  Aged 78 years - His End Was Peace.

Also of

Susanna Burdett.  Wife of the above died Decr 27th 1917.  Aged 90 years - Thy Will Be Done."


John Burdett was born in Chilton Berkshire in 1827 to William Burdett, and agricultural labourer, and his wife, Elizabeth Rogerson.   In 1851 John is living on his own and working as a gardener in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. Living and working not far from John at Beechwood House is kitchen maid Susanna Taylor Lee.  They were to marry that same year on 21 April at St James, Westminster, Middlesex.

Susanna Taylor Lee was born Susanna Taylor Lee in Poplar, Middlesex, to George Lee. I have been unable to trace Susanna's mother. In 1851 Susanna is a kitchen maid at Beechwood House, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, the home of John Nicholas Fazakerley.

1861 finds John and Susanna (listed as Susan), living at Bray Weir in Berkshire.  John is still a gardener, and the family has expanded to include four children, Susanna aged 8, John aged 6, William aged 3, and 1-year-old Emma. Living with the family at the time is Charlotte Griffin, a nurse.

By 1871 John and Susanna have moved to Bridge Street in Maidenhead where John is now a Nursery Man. Living with the family is their domestic servant, Sarah Smith.  Throughout their time in Bridge Street, John's business was badly affected by the numerous floods in Maidenhead, causing him to apply for relief aid on more than one occasion.  A report into one meeting of the Inundation Relief Committe in 1877 stated: "The Mayor mentioned, further, that he had received a letter from Mr. Burdett, nurseryman, who was a serious loser by the floods. In this Mr. Burdett stated that his loss, last year, was above £200 and that, in consequence, he had had to go into the market and purchase stock to the amount of over £300 and this year his loss would be still greater, owing to the longer continuance of the flood. He therefore asked the consideration of his case by the committee in any grants they made for compensation."

Sadly, John and Susanna were to experience the loss of their son William on 23rd December 1876. The following announcement was printed in the Maidenhead Advertiser on 3rd January 1877:

"DEATHS

Burdett—Dec. 23, at the Nursery, Maidenhead, of Inflammation of bowels William the son of John and Susanna Burdett. aged 19 years."

Unfortunately, John and Susanna were to be the victims of crime. On 14th July 1880, the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"THE LATE BURGLARIES IN MAIDENHEAD. 

Escape of the prisoners.

It will be remembered that two men were on Monday week before the Borough magistrates with having on the night of the 2nd inst., broken into the premises of Mr. Burdett, florist, of Bridge-street, and stolen various articles. The two men had been captured at Slough, after an attempt on the part of one of them to get away, and were brought to Maidenhead. 

They gave the names of George Edwards, aged 43, and Harry Hansall, aged 27. The former said he was an engineer, from Ipswich, and the latter admitted a similar occupation, and said he came from Birmingham. The only evidence taken against them was that of Mr. Frank Burnham, son-in-law to Mr. Burdett, who deposed to the state in which he found the house on the morning of the 3rd, and to the loss of various articles; of Superintendent Austin. who examined the premises; and of Constable Hinton of Slough, who arrested the men. Mr. Burdett, being on duty as a juryman at the Assizes at Reading, the case could not be carried further then, and on the application of Superintendent Austin, the men were remanded for a week. They were taken to the lock-up and confined in the upper rooms, and were visited each day and exercised, and supplied with food. Their doors fastened by a lock, and there was likewise an outward fastening and a trap-opening to each door, but is doubtful whether the outer fastening was always used. The rule was to give them their last meal at six o'clock in the evening,. and it seems to have been an understanding that they should be visited two or three times during the night. 

On Saturday morning Constable Venables went to the lock-up at ten minutes past 6 o'clock, and found that the two prisoners had escaped. They had taken off the locks of their doors, and that of the outer-door, and placed them on the floor beside the screws and got clear away. It was at manifest that they had been supplied with a screw spanner or some similar instrument from outside the lockup, and had gone about their work with methodical composure and neatness There are traces on the outer wall of some object betting been thrust up to the window, or of an ascent having been made. Information of the escape was at once sent to neighbouring towns, and inquiry was made in the immediate neighbourhood, but no traces of the prisoners have been obtained. It seems that, by some misapprehension of or from a deficiency of police strength. the lock-up was not visited between Friday and Saturday morning, and thus a confederate on the outside had a good opportunity of rendering his friends assistance, and the latter found no difficulty in aiding each other, and ultimately escaping from their confinement. A strict investigation into all the circumstances has been promised by the Mayor, who referred to the matter at the commencement of the business of the Borough Police Court on Monday, and in strong terms expressed his annoyance and regret. 

In regard to the burglaries which the prisoners were suspected of having committed, we were last week unable to give full particulars. It appears that the thieves first visited the residence of Mrs. Blake at Oldfield View. Mrs. Blake. hearing a noise, came down and took her plate basket upstairs, and having fastened the door at the bottom of the stairs, retired. She heard no more of the thieves, but they subsequently returned and got into the house by the kitchen window, and took away several articles, which were chiefly found in the road and garden near. After being disturbed at Mr Blake's, it is believed they got into the residence adjoining, that of Mr. R. S. Poulton. where they took a silver tea pot, a sewing machine, and Mr. Poulton's volunteer uniform. The latter was found next morning in an adjoining garden. They next visited the residence of Mr. Burdett. at the nursery, where they committed a great deal of mischief. They smoked their pipes end drank some wine, after which they in sheer recklessness and mischief emptied two sacks, and mixed the seeds which they contained, and so made them useless. they pulled out all the drawers in the shop, and then went into the larder, destroyed a pie. and broke some eggs over it, and spread the contents of a jam pot over the kitchen door. They then went into a greenhouse, containing splendid vine laden with grapes just ready to cut. They ate all they could, and then pulled down the vine, and trampled the remainder of the grapes under foot. They filled their sacks with all the valuables they could get hold of, including a sewing machine, two clocks, silver cups and forks, cutlery, a new pair of boots, a coat, a bottle of mints, and stamps, after which they again visited Mrs. Blake, and then made off. Some men were met by Mr. Wilder going toward Slough between 3 and 4 o'clock. As soon as those depredations were known, between d and 7 o'clock, the police were sent for, and an examination was made. Traces were found along the road of various articles apparently thrown away. At Slough it was discovered that the thieves had not passed by train, and the telegraph in the meantime having been set to work, the pursuers drove to Windsor, and found that the thieves had not gone there by train. The two men above-named were subsequently brought to the lockup. In the meantime, various missing articles were brought in. Some boys who were bird-nesting in a field near the foot-path leading from Taplow railway-station towards Maidenhead were greatly astonished on finding at the bottom of a hedge several articles of plate. Other things were found lying by the side of a sack amongst the standing corn. These included silver cups, spoons, and prizes won at various athletic sports, rowing etc., by Mr. Burdett's son-in-law." 

1881 sees John's business expand and he is now employing 2 men.  The family has also expanded to include Ellen Alice aged 12, and Frances aged 8.  Living with the family is their married daughter Emma, her husband Frank Burnham, a printer, and their son Frank aged 1. 

John was again a victim of crime in 1885. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on 15th July 1885:

"Maidenhead Borough Bench. WEDNESDAY, 9 JULY Before the Mayor (W. Lovering, Esq.), R. Walker, and J. F. Simpson, Esqrs.

A TATSE FOR STRAWBERRIES. - George Smith who was at the court & few weeks since, was accused of having, on the previous day, stolen a quantity of strawberries from Mr Burdett. " I don't know anything about it." was the plea. 

John Burdett, nurseryman. Bridge-street. stated that at about seven o'clock on the previous evening he saw the prisoner lying down between two rows of strawberries, and picking and eating the fruit. Smith had a strawberry in his fingers, and Mr. Burdett asked him what he did there, and on receiving no answer, be gave the man in charge of the police. Before the police came Smith got over the hedge and made off. About two pounds weight of fruit were taken. 

By the Bench: The man crawled along on his hands and knees, and ate the strawberries as be proceded, damaging several besides. 

Supt. Taylor said the man was convicted of drunkenness on the 18th ult. 

Asked if he was not a " Jolly Smith," the man replied that he was a shoeing and general smith.

Smith was further charged with having done damage to a bell-pull in No. I Police Cell, to the extent of 1s. He again pleaded. "I know nothing about it!" Supt. Taylor stated that after having been charged with the theft of strawberries, Smith was placed in No. 1 cell, the bell-pull in which was intact. but that at 10.10 the brass handle had been pulled off. There had been no one else in the cell during the whole time. Mr. Tuck had estimated the damage at 1s. The magistrate sentenced Smith to two calendar months' hard labour for stealing the strawberries. The damage to the bell-pull, the Mayor said, "they would say nothing about"."

The family are still residing in Bridge Street, Maidenhead in 1891, John is listed as a Florist. On 21 June 1893, The Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following statement:

"Mr. Owen's, Mr. Broughton's, and Mr. Burdett's nurseries, are certainly " things of beauty," but the cultivation and arrangement of the cottage and villa front gardens are in such excellent taste as to afford unbounded gratification to all overs of floriculture."

In the April of 1899 John was struggling with debt and was soon to be declared bankrupt. On 26th April 1899, the Maidenhead Advertiser reported: 

"A NURSERYMAN IN DIFFICULTIES.-A SAD CASE

At the same court, John Burdett, of Bridge-road, Maidenhead, nurseryman and seedsman, came up for public examination. The summary of his statement of affairs showed £639 19s. 10d. gross liabilities expected to rank at £469 Se. 4d., and the assets were estimated at £317 8s. 4d., leaving a deficiency of £l52.—Mr. F. J. C. Forss represented the bankrupt. 

In the course of examination by the Official Receiver, bankrupt stated that he had valued his stock, fittings, fixtures and greenhouses as a going concern, and there would be a very serious difference if they were not sold as such. He was aware that negotiations for their purchase had been going on, but had come to nothing. Bankrupt went on to state, in answer to Mr. Mercer, that he commenced business at Maidenhead 31 years ago, when his father-in-law, Mr. George Lee, advenced him £500,of which he had repaid half, and the remainder of the loan was cancelled. He had also at that time £200 of his own money, the whole of which be placed in his business, and he also erected his greenhouses, he should say at a cost of £350. He bad kept a takings-book, daybook and ledger, but not a cash-book, nor had he ever prepared a balance-sheet or statement of affairs. He lost over £300 by the great flood of 1894, during which time he had to live for three weeks in his upstairs rooms, and the furniture in the rooms below, which though old was valuable, all tumbled to pieces. He also lost by a burglary about £l00 worth of silver, including a number of spoons and forks. He became a guarantee for his son-in-law, Mr. Warren, about five or six years ago, and had to pay £l00 by instalments, certain matters arising in Mr. Warren's accounts which the bankrupt was called upon to pay. What had become of him or where he was now, bankrupt did not know, and the wife was out at service. The only expectation he had of paying his debts was by selling his nurseries, which he thought he could have done if he had had more time. He had borrowed money from a money-leader; he thought he had £50 from him and paid him off by instalments. He did not know if he was the "Isaac Gordon" Bankrupt's wife also signed some promissory notes as well as he and did not know what she was signing. 

Mr. Thomas wrote him a letter; he wrote back asking his terms, and instead of doing so, Mr. Thomas came and saw him with the money in his pocket. He stopped the interest before-hand out of £50, bankrupt thought £13, and the £50 was to be repaid £4 per month. He also borrowed money of Mr. P. Saunders, Craven-street, Strand, also a moneylender, about £25 and gave him a promissory note for £30, to be repaid in two months. He borrowed both sums of money for his business. Mr. Saunders pressed him for money and he could not meet it. Mr. Saunders then issued a writ against him; he did not give him twenty-four hours. All these monies went to pay Mr. Moore rent and into the business After a few further formal questions, the Official Receiver closed his examination, which was adjourned for the bankrupt to sign the transcript of the shorthand writer's notes." 

Also, on 26th April 1899 a letter was sent to the Editor of the Maidenhead Advertiser:

"AN APPEAL. 

To the Editor. 

Sir,

Will you allow me, through the medium of your valuable columns, to make an appeal on behalf of an old inhabitant of Maidenhead upon whom great misfortune has fallen? Mr. J. Burdett has for upwards of 30 years carried on the business of a nurseryman in this town, but owing to force of circumstances is now obliged to give up both his business and his home. As he is far advanced in years, and in enfeebled health I venture to plead on his behalf, and should be glad to receive any contributions which the generosity of his fellow-townsmen may prompt them to give. I may add that whatever sum may be raised in answer to this appeal I propose to hand over to a trustee, who would undertake to supply Mr. Burdett with such amounts as he might require from time to time. 

Yours very truly, 

J. L. MATTHEWS. 

Westcoixn, April 24th, 1899."

By 1901, now elderly, infirm, and bankrupt John and Susanna are inmates of The Jesus Hospital in Bray Village, Berkshire.  The Jesus Hospital is a red-brick group of alms-houses, founded in 1627 by William Goddard, whose full-size effigy stands over the entrance, to house thirty-four of the aged poor of Bray, and six of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. 

John was to pass away four years later on 2nd May 1905. Susannah remained at The Jesus Hospital until her death on 27th December 1917.

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Emma Simmonds, Her Husband Edward Simmonds, and Son Private Edward Simmonds, Devonshire Regiment - Mother, Father and Son

Monument to Emma Simmonds her husband Edward Simmonds, and son Edward Simmonds, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory

 of 

Emma Simmonds 

Died Feb 17th 1917.  

Also of 

Edward 

husband of the above 

Died Dec 20th 1920.  

Also of 

Edward 

son of the above 

Died Jan 22nd 1917."

Emma Simmonds was born Emma Johnson in 1846 in Bray Berkshire to Frederick Johnson, a labourer and his wife Charlotte.

Emma first appears on the 1851 Census, aged 1, living with her grandparents, William Johnson, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Susannah, and her older brother George, in Oakley Green, Bray Berkshire, just a few houses away from her parents and Edward Simmonds

On the 1861 Census, Emma is listed aged 14 living with her parents and siblings at Oakley Green.  Living a few houses away was Edward Simmonds and his family. Emma remained with her family until going into domestic service, the 1871 Census finds Emma working for Ann Nicholson and her daughters at 2 Orchard Villas, Castle Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire. In 1875 Emma married Edward Simmonds in Cardiff, Wales.


Edward Simmonds was born in 1849 in Bray Berkshire to William Simmonds, a Wheelwright, and his wife Caroline Allen. Edward first appears on the 1851 Census, aged 2, living with his parents and older siblings in Oakley Green, Bray, Berkshire. Edward remained in Oakley Green with his parents and later, his widowed mother Caroline until his marriage to Emma. Edward's mother Caroline was to pass away in 1876.

Emma and Edward can be found on the 1881 Census living at 20 Topaz Street, Cardiff Wales with their three young daughters, Louisa E aged 4, Charlotte aged 2, and 5-month-old Elizabeth.  At that time Edward was working as a carpenter, but he was soon to follow in his father's footsteps.

By 1891 Emma and Edward have moved back to Fifield, Berkshire, and Edward is working as a wheelwright.  The family has expanded to include Caroline, Albert, George, and Edward Jr.

In 1901 the family are still living in Fifield, but Emma is now listed as Louisa E.  Albert is now a domestic gardener, and George is an apprentice wheelwright.  Living next door is Emma's spinster sister Sarah Johnson and her son Arthur.

By 1911 Edward has followed his brother Albert into the gardening business, yet he is still living at home at Grove Place, Fifield, Berkshire, with Edward and Emma. Boarding with the family at the time is James Summer, a farm labourer. After the outbreak of World War I, Edward Jr enlisted with the Devonshire Regiment.  Sadly, he was to die as a result of service, either through injury or illness in Eton Buckinghamshire on 22nd January 1917.  He is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave at St Peter's Churchyard in Burnham, Buckinghamshire. Less than a month later his mother Emma was to pass away on 17th February 1917. Edward followed his wife and son on 20th December 1920.

Mary Sarah and Richard Gorton of Chuffs Farm, Holyport, Berkshire

Monument to Mary Sarah Gorton and Richard Gorton of Chuffs Farm, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"Sacred to the memory of Mary Sarah beloved wife of Richard Gorton (of Chuffs Farm Holyport) who died August 10th 1904 aged 76 years.

Also

Richard Gorton who died July 29th 1915 aged 85 years."

Mary Sarah Gorton was born Mary Sarah Snook in 1830 in West Knoyle, Wiltshire to William Snook, a farmer, and his wife Jane Ovens.

Mary can first be found on the 1841 Census, aged 10, living with her parents and sblings in West Knoyle, Wiltshire. By 1851 the family has moved to Byde Mill, in Hannington, Wiltshire.

In 1853 Mary married Richard Gorton, a farmer and baker in 1853 in Highworth Wiltshire.

Richard was born in 1831 in Highworth Wiltshire to Charles Gorton, a baker, and his wife Jane Yeats.

Richard first appears on the 1841 Census, aged 10, living with his parents and siblings in Sheep Street, Highworth, Wiltshire. In 1851 Richard has taken over the bakery in Sheep Street along with his sister Elizabeth, while his parents have taken over a Crouch farm in Highworth, Wiltshire. While working as a baker in Highworth, Richard was contacted to supply bread and flour to the union workhouse at 6½d per 4lb loaf and flour at £2.6s a sack.

The 1861 Census finds Richard and Mary living in Market Place, Highworth, Wiltshire with their children Sarah Jane, William Charles, and Henry George. Also living with the family was Thomas Austin, a baker, John Ely, and apprentice baker, Charlotte Llot, a housemaid, Elizabeth Johnson, a nursemaid, William Moulden, an agricultural labourer, and his 10-year-old son George, who is listed as being a plough boy. By the 1871 Census the family at moved to Upper Inglesham Road, Inglesham, Wiltshire where Richard is listed as just a farmer. The family had grown to include Mary, Ellen, Elizabeth, Agnes, Fanny, and Lucy. Living with the family is Franny Grub, a general domestic servant, and Elizabeth Clark, a dairymaid. Visiting the family at the time of the census was Sarah Winter. Later in 1871 Richard and Mary were to suffer the loss of their two-year-old daughter, Fanny.

By 1881 the family had moved to 22 Newport Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, where Richard is now listed as just a baker. The family had grown to include their daughter Stafford Louise. 1891 finds Richard, his wife Mary and daughters Mary and Stafford living at Temple Dairy, Hurley Berkshire. By 1901 Ricard, Mary and their daughter Mary had moved to Chuff's Dairy (Chuff's farm), in Holyport, Berkshire. However, Mary Sarah was to pass away three years later on 10th August 1904. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on 17th August 1904:

"Death of Mrs. Gorton- 

We regret to have to record the death of Mrs. Gorton, wife of Mr. Gorton, of Chaff's Farm, Holyport, which occurred somewhat suddenly on Wednesday last. Mrs. Gorton, who was 74 years of age, had been ailing for some time. She was much respected by all who knew her. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon at Bray cemetery, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. H. J. F. Tringham. The coffin, which was of polished elm, with brass furniture, bore the following inscription

" Mary Sarah Gorton, died Aug. 10, 1901, aged 74 years." 

The mourners were Mr. Gorton (husband), Mr. and Mrs. Sharps (son-in-law and eldest daughter), Mr. end Mrs. Charles Gorton (son and daughter-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. Georg* Gorton (son and daughter-in-law), Miss Mary Gorton (daughter), Mr. and M. Snowden (son-in-law and daughter), Mrs. Millington (daughter), Mr. and Mrs. Parker (son-in-law and daughter), and Mr. J. Snook (deceased's brother).

Floral tokens were contributed by the following Mr. and Miss Gorton (Holyport), Mr. and Mrs. Sharpe (South Manton, Swindon). Mr. and Mrs. C. Gorton (London), Mr. and Mrs. G. Gorton (Holyport), Mr. and Mrs. Snowden (Woking), Mrs. Millington (London), Mr. and Mrs. Parker (London), Mrs. Horton (Down Ampney, Cricklade). and Mrs. A. Willson (Holyport). The funeral arrangements were very satisfactorily carried out by Mr. F. Sexton, undertaker, Holyport."

Mr. F. Sexton is Frederick Sexton, son of Frederick Sexton of Holyport.

Later that year, Richard sold the dairy farm and retired. The Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement on 21st December 1904:

" HOLYPORT DAIRY. ESTABLISHED 1870. J. GOOD & SONS, 

Cowkeepers, Dairy Farmers and Poulterers,

Beg to announce that they have Purchased the CHUFFS PARK DAIRY BUSINESS of Mr. R. GORTON, and hope by strict attention to business to obtain the support lately extended to Mr. R. Gorton. 

Pure New Milk from our own Farms, and all kinds of Dairy Produce Delivered Twice Daily in Maidenhead and Bray." 

The 1911 Census shows widowed Richard living with his spinster daughter Mary at 8 Broadway, Maidenhead Berkshire.  Richard was to pass away on 29th July 1915.

Their daughter Mary was to pass away in 1929, 14 years after the death of her father. 

William and Emily Langley - Sweethearts Re-United

"In loving memory of William Langley 1874 - 1939 also his wife Emily Langley 1876 - 1958

Sweethearts Re-united."

William Langley was born in Fifield Berkshire in 1874 to John Langley, a farm carter, and his wife Eliza Goom.  William first appears on the 1881 Census, aged 7, living with his parents and siblings near Stroud Farm in Fifield, Berkshire. William's mother Eliza was to pass away in 1890. By 1891 Willima can be found living with his widowed father, his older brother John and older sister Louisa. William's occupation is listed as a shoemaker.  William is still living with his father on the 1901 Census.

Emily Langley was born Emily Harris in Navestock Essex on 5th April 1876.  Unfortunately, I am not able to trace Emily's birth parents.  On the 1881 Census she can be found living with her grandparents George and Mary Ann Harris and her uncle Cornell Harris in Navestock, Essex. In 1891 Emily is still living with her grandparents and uncle but they have moved to Paulille Hall, South Weald, Essex. Emily's grandfather George was to pass away that same year.  By 1901, Emily and her elderly grandmother had moved to 47 The Village, South Weald, Essex

In 1902 William married Emily Harris.  By 1911 they had two children, Gladys aged 7, and William aged just one year.  Living with them at the time was the 85-year-old widowed John Langley.

William's father, John Langley, was to pass away in 1914.  William was to pass away in 1939, just before the 1939 England and Wales Register was taken. The widowed Emily can be found still living in Fifield at 4 Fifield Road, Fifield, Berkshire with her children William Herbert, and Alexina. Emily was to pass away in 1958.

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Frances Louisa Comber - Night Watchman's Wife

Monument to Frances Louisa Comber, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Frances Louisa beloved wife of Charles Comber who fell asleep April 28th 1907 aged 52 years.  Her end was peace."

Frances Louisa Comber was born Frances/Louisa Gardner on 19th July 1855 at New Street, Clapham, London to William Gardener, a whitesmith, and his second wife Frances Wilson.  I have been unable to trace Frances on the early Census returns. Frances appears int he 1871 Census listed as Louisa, aged 17, working as a kitchen maid in the home of Emily H Ragland at 5 Great Stanhope Street, Mayfair, London.

In 1878 Frances married Charles Comber, a police constable, in Wandsworth Surrey.  In 1881 the newlyweds can be found living at 35 Union Street in Clapham London with their two young daughters Louisa J aged 1 year, and Lucy aged just 6 days.  At that time Frances was using the name Louisa.

By 1891 family had moved to Oakley Green in Bray, Berkshire.  Charles is now a night watchman at New Lodge, and the family has expanded to include Charles William aged 9, Marther [sic] aged 4, Ernest aged 2, and baby Albert, just 11 months old.  Frances is now using the name Frances Lou.

1901 finds the family living at  Braywood Cottages in Bray, Berkshire.  Charles is still a Night Watchman, but Frances has now gone back to using the name Louisa.  Their family has expanded again to include Amelia aged 8, and Elizabeth aged 3.

Sadly, Frances was to pass away on 28th April 1907, the death index has her name listed as Louisa Frances.

The widowed Charles can be found on the 1911 Census living with his youngest daughters Louisa Jane, and Elizabeth, at Braywood Cottages, Bray, Berkshire. Charkes was to retire as a night watchman in 1913 on medical advice. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on 5th July 1913:

"BRAYWOOD. RESIDENT.--Braywood has lost a familiar figure owing to the retirement of Mr. Charles Comber, who for 25 years has acted as night-watchman at New Lodge. Mr. Comber has been in bad health for some time, and under the doctor's orders was obliged to give up his work. He retires on a pension which it is hoped he will live long, with improved health, to enjoy."

He must have loved Frances very much to have such a beautiful monument made in her memory.