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Showing posts with label Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Day. Show all posts

Monday, 23 December 2024

Arthur Wilton Day and Louisa Jane James

South Beach, Weston-super-Mare
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian Capper - geograph.org.uk/p/6392467
South Beach at Weston-super-Mare with Birnbeck Pier

Arthur Wilton Day (b. 29 Dec 1879 in Chipping Ongar, Essex), son of Arthur Stephen Day and Mary Ann Ray, married Louisa Jane James (b. 31 Jan 1880 in Highbridge, Somerset), daughter of Joseph James and Emily Young, at St Faith's Church, Wandsworth (Ebner Street), on 23 Dec 1900.

Ebner Street, Wandsworth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper
geograph.org.uk/p/3069437
This couple did not have any children.

In 1901, they were living at 23, Ebner Street, Wandsworth, with Arthur Day (21) Gas Fitter, Louisa Day (21) Lilian James (17) - Louisa's sister - an Incandescent Mantle Packer and Henry White (22) Window Cleaner, from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Boarder. 

In 1911, still at the same address at 23, Ebner Street, Wandsworth, we find Arthur W Day (31) Gas Fitter, Louisa J Day (31), Cecil A Day (24) Clerk Columbia Phono Corp - Arthur's brother - and his sister, Daisy R Heckman (30) described as "Married Deserted 7 Yrs".

In 1921, Arthur Wilton Day (42) Electrician and Louisa Day (42) were living at 69, Richmond Road, Bristol, Gloucestershire.

Arthur Wilton Day died, at 58, on 18 Jun 1938 (1938 J Qtr in BRISTOL Vol 06A Page 233) and is buried at Greenbank Cemetery, Eastville, Bristol.

In 1939, Louisa Jane Day, widowed, was a Paid Companion, living in the household of Charles and Julia Burnett at 141 Richmond Road, Bristol.

Louisa Jane Day returned to her Somerset roots in her retirement, it seems, as she died, aged 79, in 1959, in Weston-super-MareNorth Somerset.

Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Cecil Alfred Day and Winifred Fanny Kingston

St Anne, Wandsworth - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3482895
St Anne's was the fifth of the Commissioners' Waterloo churches, built in thanksgiving for the victory over Napoleon at Waterloo, designed by Robert Smirke, architect of the British Museum.

Cecil Alfred Day (b. 20 Nov 1886), son of Arthur Stephen Day and Mary Ann Ray, married Winifred Fanny Kingston (b. 28 Feb 1886, bap. 24 Mar 1886 at St Anne's Church, Wandsworth), daughter of James Kingston and Fanny Clarke (from Micheldever, Hampshire), at St Anne's Church, Wandsworth on 20 Nov 1915. Witnesses were Arthur Wilton Day and James Kingston.

In 1921, Cecil Day (34) Clerk at May & Baker Ltd, Chemical Manufacturers was at 98, Earlsfield, Wandsworth, London with wife Winifred Day (35).

Cecil A Day of 25 Grosvenor Drive, Hornchurch, Essex died, aged 50, on 30 Jul 1937 (1937 S Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 447), leaving his effects to his widow, Winifred Fanny Day.

In 1939, widow, Winifred F Day, still at 25 Grosvenor Drive, Hornchurch, was listed as Clerk To Manufacturing Chemist, but later returned to Wandsworth.

Winifred Fanny Day of 24 West Side, Wandsworth, widow, died on 5 Jun 1954 (1954 J Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 05D Page 707) and left her effects to her sister, Daisy Blanche McMillan, widow.

Wednesday, 16 October 2024

William Hockley and Mary Ann Day

The George, E14
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Webster - geograph.org.uk/p/2294862
Corner of the former East Ferry Road and Glengall Road, both now renamed Glengall Grove.

William Hockley (bap. 17 Nov 1842 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow), as William Crow, son of Eliza Crow, Single Woman, married Mary Ann Day (bap. 21 Jul 1844 at All Saints, Writtle, Chelmsford), daughter of Thomas Day and Rose Knight, at St MatthiasBethnal Green, on 16 Oct 1865. William Hockley made his mark with an X, while Mary Ann was able to sign her name. Witnesses were Sarah Burton and Tamar Hockley. The marriage is the first time William had used the surname Hockley on official records and lists his father as George Hockley. Whilst it is certainly true that George Hockley is who brought him up, I don't think this is conclusive proof of paternity. At 19 in 1861, William was still listed as William Crow, and it was only finding Mary Ann looking after his brother Daniel's son, that led me to locate him. 

William and Mary Ann had twelve children:
  1. Tamar Rose Eliza Hockley b. 1866 S Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 524. (All three being family given names.) Died, aged 15, in 1881 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 446
  2. Frederick William Hockley b. 1868 M Qtr in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C Page 624. Died, at 5, in 1873 J Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 409
  3. Alice Jane Hockley b. 1869 D Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 714
  4. Laura Lucy Hockley b. 1871 D Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 675
  5. Charles John Hockley b. 31 Mar 1873 J Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C 668
  6. Hannah Elizabeth Hockley b. 1875 M Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C 746
  7. Edith Caroline Hockley b. 1877 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 756, bap. 25 Feb 1877 at Christ Church Isle Of Dogs, Manchester Road
  8. Ben Albert Hockley b. 1878 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 715. Died 1878 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 504
  9. Maud Day Hockley b. 1879 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 757. Died, aged 1, in 1881 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 526
  10. Daniel Hockley b. 1882 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 742
  11. Arthur Hockley b. 27 Oct 1883 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 704, bap. 9 Dec 1883 at Christ Church Isle Of Dogs
  12. William Hockley b. 13 Apr 1886 J Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C 688
In 1881, William Hockley (37) Labourer and M A Hockley (36) were at 55, Glengall Road, Poplar with Tama (sic) Hockley (14), Alice Hockley (11), Laura Hockley (10), Charles Hockley (8), Hannah Hockley (6) and Edith Hockley (4).

In 1891, at 75, Glengall Road, Poplar, London, we find Mary Ann Hockley (49) with Laura Hockley (19) Domestic servant; Charles John Hockley (18) Dock labourer; Daniel Hockley (10), Arthur Hockley (8), William Hockley (5), Christopher Hockley (2) Nephew - son of William's younger brother, Daniel - and John Parker (21) Dock labourer, Boarder. William is not listed in the household and [so far] I've found no explanation for his absence.

In 1901, at 77, Glengall Road, Poplar, were William Hockley (59) General labourer, Mary A Hockley (58), Hannah E Hockley (26) Housemaid, Daniel Hockley (19) General labourer and William Hockley (14).

In 1911, still at 77 Glengall Road, Cubitt Town, Poplar, were William Hockley (68) Boro council pensioner - now we know who he had been labouring for - and Mary Ann Hockley (66). All of the kids had flown the nest, but they stated on this census that they'd had 12 children in total, of whom seven were then still living and five had died, during their 45 year marriage. (I'm sure they knew their own family, but I can only find four deaths by that point.)

In 1921, William Hockley (78) and Mary Ann Hockley (77), both retired, were still living at 77, Glengall Road, Poplar.

William Hockley died, at 82, in 1925 M Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 511.

Mary Ann Hockley died in 1926 S Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 324, also 82.

Sunday, 5 May 2024

Squire Day and Sarah Hobbs

St Mary's Church, Hitchin
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Lucas - geograph.org.uk/p/989956

Squire Day (bap. 28 May 1797 in Ickleford, Hertfordshire), son of George Day and Mary Watson, married Sarah Hobbs (b. 28 Feb 1796 bap. 29 Apr 1796 at the Hitchin, Back Street Meeting), the daughter of Samuel Emly Hobbs and Elizabeth Saunders, in Hitchin, on 5 May 1819.

Squire as a boy's name is of Middle English origin, apparently.

Squire and Sarah had 6 children, baptised at the Hitchin, Back Street Meeting (The Independent Meeting House at Back Street, Hitchin):
  1. John Day b. 27 Dec 1820, bap. 25 Mar 1821 
  2. George Hobbs Day b. 27 Feb 1822, bap. 31 Mar 1822
  3. Martha Hobbs Day b. 26 Feb 1826, bap. 20 May 1827. Died, aged 12, in 1838 J Quarter in THE HITCHIN UNION Volume 06 Page 411
  4. Alfred Day b. 17 Jun 1828, bap. 14 Sep 1828
  5. Phoebe Emma Day b. 4 Mar 1830, bap. 18 Apr 1830
  6. Elizabeth Hobbs Day b. 22 Jun 1833, bap. 26 Jan 1834
Sarah Day must have died between 1833 and 1837, but no record identified.

Squire Day, Widower, son of George Day, Carpenter, then married Mary Ann Dear, Spinster, said to be daughter of William Dear, Carpenter, both of Back Street, Hitchin, at the Parish Church of St Mary's, Hitchin, on 20 Jul 1837.

Squire and Mary Ann added another four children:
  1. Martha Dear Day b. 1839 M Qtr in HITCHIN UNION Vol 06 Page 500
  2. Mary Ann Day b. 1841 M Qtr in HITCHIN UNION Vol 06 Page 540
  3. Squire Day b. 1843 S Qtr in HITCHIN UNION Vol 06 Page 534
  4. Sarah Elizabeth Day b. 1846 M Qtr in HITCHIN Vol 06 Page 578
In 1841, in Back of Street, Hitchin, were Squire Day (40) Grocer [1], Mary Ann Day (35), John Day (20), George Day (18), Martha Day (3), Mary Ann Day (0), Mary Kofford (20) Female Servant and John Taylor (20), who in perfect nominative determinism, was a Tailor. They were living next door to John Gascoine, Victualler, but that's probably unremarkable because these streets appear to have been full of now lost pubs. Also among their closest neighbours were a Fish Monger, two Bakers and a Shoe Maker.

[1] First wife Sarah's father, Samuel Emly Hobbs, had also been a grocer, declared bankrupt in 1829, so he may have taken over this business.

Back of Street, or Back Street, is described in this document on Hitchin Conservation Area (PDF): "A subsidiary road developed parallel to the market place on the east side of the River Hiz, probably from the 12th century onwards. Formerly called Back Street, and at its southern end, Dead Street. Biggin Lane and Portmill Lane connected the market place with Back Street and Dead Street respectively. Their name was changed to the more salubrious Queen Street in the 19th century. Queen Street was also the site of many houses, cottages and other buildings which were located close to St Mary’s Church, and which were swept away in the slum clearance of the 1920s. 

In 1851, in Back Street, Hitchin, were Squire Day (52) Grocer from Ickleford, Hertfordshire; Mary Ann Day (47) from East Barnet, Hertfordshire; Martha Day (12), Mary Ann Day (10), Squire Day (8) and Sarah Day (5).

In 1861, Squire Day (63) Upholsterer and lodging house keeper was running the Travellers Rest, Back Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire with Mary Ann Day (56), Mary Ann Day (20) Bonnet Sewer; Squire Day (17) Boot and shoe makers apprentice; Sarah Day (15) Bonnet Sewer and 19 Lodgers.

In 1871, Squire Day (74) Upholsterer and lodging house keeper, was still in Back Street, Hitchin with Mary Ann Day (65), Mary Ann Day (29) Bonnet Sewer; Sarah E Day (25) Milliner; Alfred J Day (19) Reporter and Arthur S Day (15) Photographic Artist, these last two grandsons, sons of John Day.

Squire Day died, at 81, in 1878 S Quarter in HITCHIN Volume 03A Page 228.

In 1881, M A [Mary Ann] Day (76) Lodging house keeper was still running the Traveller's Rest in Back Street, Hitchin with Mary A Day (39) assistant; Susan White (44) General Servant, Henry White (10) and 13 Boarders.

Mary Ann Day died at 79 in 1884 M Qtr in HITCHIN Vol 03A Page 256.

Friday, 29 March 2024

Arthur Stephen Day and Mary Ann Ray

High Street, Chipping Ongar
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stuart Shepherd - geograph.org.uk/p/1144124

Arthur Stephen Day (b. 1855), son of John Day and Ellen Wilton, married Mary Ann Ray (bap. 14 Apr 1854), daughter of William Ray and Rhoda Ward, on 29 Mar 1879 at the church of St Martin of Tours, Chipping Ongar.

This couple had three children.
  1. Arthur Wilton Day b. 29 Dec 1879 (1880 M Quarter in ONGAR Volume 04A Page 213), bap. 22 Feb 1880
  2. Daisy Rhoda Day b. 10 Feb 1881 (1881 M Quarter in ONGAR Volume 04A Page 231), bap. 8 Apr 1881
  3. Cecil Alfred Day b. 20 Nov 1886 ( 1886 D Quarter in ONGAR Volume 04A Page 315), bap. 23 Jan 1887
All of the birth registrations list the mother's maiden name as RAY; all of the baptisms took place at St Martin's Church, Chipping Ongar.

In 1881, Arthur S Day (27) was employed as a Grocer's Assistant in High Street, Chipping-Ongar, Essex with wife Mary Ann (27), Arthur (1) and Daisy (0), and Elizabeth E North (11), niece, staying with them as a visitor.

In 1891, Arthur Day (37) was a Fruiterer's Assistant, still in High Street, Chipping Ongar, with wife Mary Ann Day, son Arthur Day (11), Daisy Day (10), Cecil Day (4) and James Keys (68), Shoemaker, boarder.

In 1901, in High Street, Chipping Ongar, were Arthur Day (46), Mary Ann Day (45) and Cecil Day (14). Arthur's occupation was given as Photographer. Back in 1871, aged 15, Arthur Stephen Day was listed as a Photographic Artist, so he has gone full circle, presumably now able to make his living from something he loved. (Arthur and Daisy had both married in 1900, in Wandsworth.)

In 1911, Arthur Day (57), wife is listed as Marion Day (57) and staying with them were their grandsons: Archibald Wilton Napoleon Heckman (10) and Cecil Arthur Heckman (7) - Daisy's children.

In 1921, Arthur Day (67) was still in the High Street, Chipping Ongar, working for himself as a Photographer, with Mary Ann Day (67).

Mary Ann Day died, aged 78, in 1931 D Qtr in ONGAR Vol 04A Page 405.

Arthur Stephen Day died, aged 89, in 1943 M Quarter in EPPING Volume 04A Page 436.

Saturday, 17 February 2024

Archibald Carl Heckmann and Daisy Rhoda Day

Brick Lane in the East End of London
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/7049342

Archibald Carl Heckmann (b. 20 Jul 1883), son of Napoleon Joseph Heckmann and Susie Lane, married Daisy Rhoda Day (b. 10 Feb 1881), daughter of Arthur Stephen Day and Mary Ann Ray, at St Faith’s Church, Ebner Street, Wandsworth, on 17 Feb 1900. The bridegroom was then only 16, pretending to be 20. Archibald gave his address as 14 Coleford Road, Wandsworth and listed his father as Napoleon John Henry Heckman, Engineer (this was actually his brother). Daisy (19) listed her residence as 44 College Street, Putney and her father Arthur Stephen Day, Photographer. One of the witnesses to their marriage was Arthur Wilton Day, Daisy's brother.

Archibald Carl and Daisy Rhoda Heckman had two sons:

  1. Archibald Wilton Napoleon Heckmann b. 1901 M Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 785, bap. 24 Feb 1901 at St Faith's, Wandsworth. Died, aged 15, on 28 Jun 1916 (1916 J Quarter in ST. MARYLEBONE Volume 01A Page 639)
  2. Cecil Arthur Heckmann b. 25 Oct 1903 (1903 D Quarter in ONGAR Vol 04A Page 537), bap. 28 Dec 1903 at Chipping Ongar, St Martin of Tours and it appears was baptised again, listed as Cecil Arthur Heckman (with one less N) on 29 May 1917 at High Ongar, St Mary the Virgin. (Both baptisms specify his parents as Archibald Carl and Daisy Rhoda.)
In 1901, living at 60, Fullerton Road, Wandsworth, were Archibald Heckmann (21) - he was actually only 18 - Gas stove fitter from Loughton, Essex; Daisy Heckmann (20) and their elder son Archibald Heckmann, 2 months old.

In 1911, Archibald Wilton Napoleon Heckman (10) and Cecil Arthur Heckman (7) were staying with their grandparents. Daisy R Heckman (30) described as "Married Deserted 7 Yrs", was staying with her brother in Wandsworth.

The Chelmsford Chronicle of 30 Jun 1916 reported on the DEATH OF ARCHIE HECKMAN - "Archie Heckman, aged 15, eldest son of Mrs Heckman and grandson of Mr and Mrs A S Day, passed away in the Middlesex Hospital on Wednesday after a long illness. He had been a patient in the Hospital for 10 weeks. Previous to his illness he was employed by Mr J Surridge, motor engineer, Ongar. On June 27, while his mother and grandmother were in the Hospital with him, his youngest brother, Cecil, scalded himself badly by accidentally turning over a saucepan of boiling water. Much sympathy is felt for his mother and grandparents." The column then continued with ...

SCALDING ACCIDENT - An unfortunate accident occurred to Cecil Heckman, grandson of Mr Day on Wednesday at 8:30 am. The boy, who was removing a saucepan of water from the fire, where he had just boiled an egg, let it drop, and the water went over his leg, scalding the right thigh and left foot.

Daisy Rhoda Hickman (sic), daughter of Arthur Stephen Day, Photographer, married William Arthur Clancy at St Mary's Church, Leyton, on 25 Apr 1919. (Was Daisy divorced? Still 'married and deserted' in 1911, she almost certainly hadn't known Archibald Heckman had already married again in 1908, and, it was not until 1937 that desertion became a ground for divorce.)

William Arthur Clancy was born in Victoria, Australia around 1878 and had served in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. William and Daisy must have left for Australia shortly after they married and were listed on the electoral register in Leitchville, Victoria, at least by 1924.

On 11 Mar 1921, Cecil A Heckman (17) Motor mechanic, embarked on the SS Euripides, in London, bound for Melbourne, Australia, giving his last address as c/o A Day, Photographer, High Street, Ongar. Cecil was also listed in Leitchville in 1925, so presumably settled there. Cecil Arthur Heckman married Bessie Henderson Soutar (b. 12 Apr 1909 in Scotland), daughter of John Dow Souter and Helen Robertson, in Victoria, Australia, in 1932.

William Arthur Clancy died in 1955 and Daisy Rhoda Clancy, daughter of Arthur Stephen Day and 'Polly Anna' Ray, died, aged 75, in Warrnambool, Victoria on 16 Jul 1956. She is buried at Warragul Cemetery.

Cecil (Art) Arthur Heckmann died on 28 Nov 1986 in Leeton, New South Wales, Australia and is buried at Leeton Cemetery. Bessie Henderson Heckman died on 6 Nov 2001 and is also buried at Leeton Cemetery.

So, what happened to Archibald Carl Heckmann?

He had first resurfaced, listed as Archibald Charles Hickman, in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a licence dated 20 Oct 1908, to marry Irene Kearney at the Laie Hawaii Temple (a Mormon Church - was this a deliberate choice, did he think he could avoid committing bigamy by marrying there?), Laie, Oahu, Hawaii, on 21 Oct 1908; giving his age as 29 (actually 25); his father as John H Hickman (his grandfather's Anglicised first names) and mother Susie Heckman. Irene, 23, with parents Victorio Silva Borba and Maria Ferriera, was Portuguese. (Presumably Kearney was a previous married name, but I've no idea if she was divorced or a widow and have also not found her either before or since.)

The couple had a daughter, Gladys Irene Hickman b. 21 Mar 1910 and the 1910 US Census shows Archibald Hickman (29) immigration year 1907; Irene Hickman (25) and Gladys I Hickman (1 month) living in Honolulu City.

Then the Honolulu Star-Bulletin of 2 May 1916 reported that, "Having been served in San Francisco, the divorce papers in the case of Archibald Hickman against Mrs Irene Hickman were returned here yesterday. The suit was filed here April 10. Hickman alleges desertion as the cause for the suit."

Wait, HE's alleging that SHE deserted him? Karma's a bitch, innit?

On 21 Sep 1917, Archibald Charles Hickman (40) is shown sailing from Honolulu, Hawaii to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. On 6 Oct 1917, in Toronto, Archibald Charles Hickman (40) of Hardesty Street, Honoulu, enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps for the duration of the war. (Archibald was actually only 34 in 1917 and his usual lie up to this point had been to claim to be four years older than he was, so by adding another two years was this to be too old to enlist or at least too old to be sent to the front line?)

On 18 Feb 1919, Arch Hickman, listed as 41 (really 36), Single (no comment), English, left Ontario, Canada, where his last residence had been in Toronto, and sailed from Vancouver, British Columbia on the SS Makura, bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, where he arrived on 26 Feb 1919. It said he that intended to remain in the US indefinitely, but not to become a citizen (see below).

In 1920, Archibald C Hickman (42) Single (again) was living in the household of Catarina A Wright (44) Divorced, in Honolulu, Hawaii. At this point he's listed at the bottom of the household, as a Lodger. On this census he gives his date of immigration to the US as 1903 (which is far more likely given the date his second son with Daisy was born and as she was listed as 'Deserted 7 Yrs' in 1911) and claimed a date of naturalisation 1919 (there's no evidence).

Not located Archibald, but in 1930 his daughter, Gladys I Hickman (20) Stenographer, was a boarder at "FernhurstYWCA Hostal in Honalulu City.

The press in Hawaii reported, Miss Gladys Irene Hickman, Head Stenographer at Maki-Ki Hotel, daughter of Archibald Charles Hickman and Irene Borba, married Stanley Abrams Cutter (b. 14 Sep 1906), son of Stanley Abrams Cutter and Minerva Fernandez, in Wahiawa, Hawaii on 15 Dec 1937

The couple had a son, Charles Hickman Cutter, born 29 Nov 1938.

In 1940, and still in Honolulu, Hawaii, Archibald Hickman (57) was head of the household with Catarina 'Hickman' (65) listed as his 'wife'. There was never a marriage and it's acknowledged here that she lived with a "Hickman". (Born Catarina Apiani Long (Hawaiian/Italian) on 16 Apr 1875, she had married Benjamin Haywood Wright in 1894. They had divorced.)

Archibald's World War II Draft Registration Card in 1942 gave him away and tied all the other records together: Listed as Archibald Charles Hickman, of 4020 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii; DOB 20 Jul 1884 (it was 1883, but may otherwise be correct), with place of birth, Loughton, Essex and names Gladys I Cutter as his daughter and person who'll always know his address.

Archibald Charles Hickman was naturalized in the US on 27 May 1943.

Catarina Apiani Wright died on 8 Jan 1949 (she is buried at Diamond Head Memorial Park), although Archibald seemed to have moved on already by 1946. He flew from Honolulu to San Francisco, California, with Pan American Airways, on 17 Apr 1946 and lived with Gladys from then onwards. 

In 1950, Archibald C Hickman (66) Father-in-law, Unable to work, was listed as living in the household of Stanley A Cutter Jr (43) with Gladys I Cutter (40) and their son, Charles Cutter (11), in Merced, California.

Archibald Charles Hickman died on 29 Oct 1958 in OaklandAlameda County, California and was interred at Mountain View Cemetery on 19 Nov 1958.

His obituary in Hawaii: Archibald Hickman Dies in California. "Archibald Charles Hickman, 73, who lived in the islands for more than 40 years, died Oct 29, in Oakland, Calif. Born in Essex, England, Mr Hickman worked for the gas company until World War I when he enlisted in the British army. Following his discharge he returned to the islands and spent many years in the automotive field as shop superintendent for Schuman Carriage Co. During World War II he worked for Hawaiian Contractors at Pearl Harbour. He had been living with his daughter, Mrs Stanley A Cutter Jr, for the past 11 years."

Gladys Hickman Cutter died on 1 May 2002 at the age of 92; Stanley Abrams Cutter Jr died on 1 Mar 2008 at the grand old age of 101. And their son, Charles Hickman Cutter died, aged 69, on 19 Jun 2008. His obituary was Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jun. 29, 2008 (Via)

CUTTER, CHARLES HICKMAN "On June 19, 2008, Charles H. Cutter passed away at his home in San Carlos at the age of 69. He succumbed after a March diagnosis of glioblastoma multi-forme. He was Associate Professor Emeritus of Humanities and Political Science at San Diego State University, where he had taught from 1968 to 2006, after which he remained actively engaged in travel, study, and research. Charles Cutter was born November 29, 1938, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was raised in Merced, California. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in political science at UC Berkeley and his PhD in political science at UCLA. His doctoral studies took him to France, Senegal, Mali, and Dahomey. Subsequent interests were centered in African politics and art, for which he earned a Fulbright-Hays Foreign Language Fellowship to study Bamana. After an American Council of Learned Societies postdoctoral award in art history at Yale, he was appointed research fellow in 1973 and lecturer in 1974. He also taught at the University of Bristol in 1984. At SDSU Professor Cutter offered courses in African and American politics, was the first chair of the Humanities program, and taught African, European, and American humanities, in which he garnered an unchallenged reputation as an expert in art and classical music. He also taught art history at the Design Institute of San Diego. He served for a long time on the board of docents at the San Diego Museum of Art and was till his death a docent for the Timken Gallery. Until his death he also served many years as president to the Shadow Glen Homeowners Association. In addition to his scholarly papers, Professor Cutter curated a 1979 exhibition at the SDMA, and since 1997 he edited the annual scholarly review titled, Africa. After retirement he became intrigued with the work of the late Belgian-Argentine artist Victor Delhez, and having begun an association with him, Professor Cutter was mastering Spanish and writing a definitive biography when he was stopped short by his devastating illness. Charles Cutter loved theater and opera and often traveled to other cities to attend performances. He struck a dashing graybeard figure not only in professorial blazer and bow tie but also on the tennis court. Professor Cutter is survived by his life partner, Jack Albrecht, and family that extends from Hawaii to New York State. His mother, Gladys, died in 2002. In September 2006, family members gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Stanley Abrams Cutter, Professor Cutter's father and patriarch of the family. Stanley Cutter died this past March at the age of 101. His extended family included lifelong friends and former students, with whom he continued to maintain close and enduring bonds. Many of these friends travelled great distances to visit him during his illness, proving the esteem and affection in which they held him and the influence he had on their lives. A memorial gathering is planned for 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 2nd, at the SDSU Faculty-Staff Club. Gifts may be made in Professor Cutter's name to the Timken Gallery or the SDSU Department of Classics and Humanities."

Archibald Carl Heckmann's origins:

Firstly, his grandfather's petition for Naturalisation in 1846: Johan Heinrich Heckmann of No 5 John Street, Chicksand Street, Brick Lane in the Parish of Whitechapel, in the County of Middlesex, Fur Skin Dresser, states that he was born in Eissen, WarburgKingdom of Prussia. He'd been married for 13 years to Catharina Boss and had lived in Tower Hamlets for 15 years, so since around 1831. I've not found the record of the marriage so, we'll have to take his word for it, although banns were read at St Mary's, Whitechapel in Nov 1832, under the Anglicised names of John Hackman and Catherine Boss.

Johan and Catharina Heckmann had eleven children:
  1. Catherina Heckmann b. 1833 in Whitechapel
  2. Agnes Christina Heckmann b. 1835 in Whitechapel
  3. Helena Heckmann b. 1837 in Whitechapel
  4. Sophia Heckmann b. 1839 in Whitechapel
  5. John Frederick Ulerich Heckman b. 1842 M Quarter in WHITECHAPEL UNION Volume 02 Page 569 - mother's maiden name BASS
  6. Margaret Victoria Alice Heckman b. 1843 D Quarter in WHITECHAPEL UNION Volume 02 Page 546 - mother's maiden name BASS
  7. Napoleon Josephus Heckman b. 1846 M Quarter in WHITECHAPEL UNION Volume 02 Page 618 - mother's maiden name MOSS
  8. Anna Sophia Heckmann b. 1847 D Quarter in WHITECHAPEL UNION Volume 02 Page 557 - mother's maiden name, finally, BOSS
  9. Cleopatra Heckman b. 1849 D Qtr in WHITECHAPEL Vol 02 595
  10. Louisa Heckman b. 1851 S Quarter in WHITECHAPEL Vol 02 Page 627. Died, aged 1, in 1852 S Quarter in WHITECHAPEL Vol 01C Page 227 and was buried on 28 Jul 1852 at John St, Osborn St, Whitechapel
  11. John Theodore Heckmann b. 1855 J Qtr in WHITECHAPEL Vol 01C 356
In 1841, Johan Heckmann (30) Skin dresser, wife Cathe (30) and daughters, Helena (4) and Sophia (2) along with four others who were described as fur dressers, were living at John Street, Christchurch, Whitechapel.

Johan Heinrich Heckmann was the victim in a case of theft heard at the Old Bailey on 18 Sep 1848. Some 180 rabbit skins that had belonged to him had been stolen from an outworker. The two suspects, Thomas Saul and Richard Bailey, were found guilty and sentenced to be transported for seven years.

In 1851, then listed as John H Heckmann (39) Skinner & furrier employing 20 men, still at 5 John Street, Christchurch Spitalfields, Whitechapel, with Chatherina (sic) (39) from Homberg, Hesse; Chatherina (sic) (18), Christina (16), Helena (13), Sophia (11), Margretha (10), Napoleon (5), Anna Sophia (3), Cleopatra (1) and Karl Boss (20) Brother-in-law, Fur skin dresser.

In 1861, J H Heckmann (49) Proprietor of houses, from Prussia, proudly listing himself as a Naturalized British Subject, had moved to 30, York Hill, Loughton, Essex, with Catherine (49), Catherine (27), Sophia (21), Margretha (17), Napoleon (15), Anne (13), Adelaide (12) [I'm sure this is Cleopatra], Theodore (5) and Adolf Leity (33) Visitor from Berlin, Prussia.

On 4 Jul 1865, John Henry Heckmann of John Street and Samuel Street, Spitlefields and of Loughton, Essex, Skin Dresser and Brewer, was declared bankrupt. He was discharged from bankruptcy on 5 Dec of the same year.

In 1871, John H and Katherine Heckmann were still at York Hill, Loughton, as they were also in 1881. John Henry Heckmann of York Hill, Loughton, died on 11 Sep 1887. In 1891, widow, Catherine Heckmann was still living at York Hill, Loughton with two of her daughters, spinsters, Catherine (56) and Anna (43) and one servant. Catherine Heckmann died, aged 86, in 1898.

Archibald's parents, Napoleon Joseph Heckmann (b. 1846), son of Johan Heinrich Heckmann and Catharina Boss, and Susie Lane (b. 31 Jan 1858 M Quarter in EDMONTON Vol 03A Page 155), daughter of Henry Lane and Mary Ann Fish, married at St John of Jerusalem, South Hackney, on 27 Feb 1879. Witnesses to their marriage were Septimus Swyer and Alice Swyer. 

Susannah Lane was brought up in High Beach (or High Beech), Essex, where her parents had kept the Owl [Public House], Lippet's Hill.

Napoleon Joseph and Susie Heckmann had three sons:
  1. Napoleon John Henry Heckmann b. 16 Sep 1879 (D Quarter in EPPING Vol 04A Page 181), bap. 23 Dec 1879 at Loughton, St John the Baptist
  2. Herbert Leopold Heckmann b. 5 Sep 1880 (1880 D Quarter in EPPING Volume 04A Page 199), bap. 14 Oct 1880 at Loughton, St Nicholas. Died 20 Oct 1880 and is buried at Waltham Holy Cross Old Cemetery
  3. Archibald Carl Heckman b. 20 Jul 1883 S Quarter in EPPING Volume 04A Page 223, bap. 4 Jun 1889 at Holy Innocents Church, High Beach.
Dr Septimus Swyer
In 1871, Napoleon Joseph Heckmann (25) 'wife's brother', had been living in the household of Septimus Swyer (35) at 32 Brick Lane, Spitalfields, Whitechapel. Dr Septimus Swyer, General Practitioner, had married Napoleon's sister, Agnes Christina Heckmann, in 1857. Much has already been written about this contentious character, from his apparent partnership with a medical fraudster Edward Morass who went under a number of aliases and his second wife's alleged bigamy, but most of all, in relation to Jack the Ripper, as a person of interest and a possible suspect. Circumstantially, at least. 

It's relevant, I feel, to mention that Septimus Swyer emigrated the United States and one of his sons emigrated to Australia and changed his name.

In 1881, Napoleon Joseph Heckmann (36) Living on income, Susie (22) and son Napoleon J (1), with a Domestic servant and a Nurse, were at York Hill.

Napoleon Joseph Heckmann died, at 45, on 24 Feb 1891 (1891 M Quarter in EPPING Volume 04A Page 185), and was buried on 3 Mar 1891 at the Church of the Holy Innocents, High Beach. The Chelmsford Chronicle of 6 Mar 1891 reported on the FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR N J HECKMANN - "The remains of the late Mr Napoleon J Heckmann were interred on Tuesday last in High Beech Churchyard. Every sign of regret and respect was manifested by the residents of Loughton. Most of the tradesmen put their shutters up, and a large number of sympathetic friends surrounded the grave." He left a Personal Estate of £184 to Susie Heckman of York Hill, Widow.

In 1891, Susie Heckmann (30) Widow, was Living on her own means, still at York Hill, Loughton with her two sons, Napoleon (11) and Archibald (7). 

Susie Heckman (33), listed as daughter of James Lane, Licenced Victualler (deceased) (Henry Lane, but yeah ....), then remarried to William Edward Bright (30) Gentleman, at St James's Church, Clerkewell on 31 Oct 1893

This couple had produced a son, Charles Stanley Bright b. 1894 S Quarter in EPPING Volume 04A Page 347, bap. 28 Aug 1894 at Loughton, St Nicholas, who died at one month old on 29 Aug 1894 (1894 S Quarter in EPPING Volume 04A Page 159) and was buried on 3 Sep 1894 in High Beech.

The year before they married and reported nationally: "William Edward Bright (29), described as a gentleman of independent means, was charged at North London Police Court on Wednesday with shooting with a revolver at five constables. It appeared from the evidence that on Tuesday night the accused went home at midnight, when the housekeeper heard three shots fired. Not knowing what had happened she opened a window and blew a police whistle. Five constables assembled in the garden, and tried to open the door. Prisoner appeared at a window and shouted "Who's there? Police?"; and on receiving an answer in the affirmative and a request to open the door, he replied, "If you don't clear out of my garden I will shoot you." Thereupon he fired five shots in rapid succession - fortunately without hitting anyone. Prisoner now said he would not have fired had he not thought the constables were burglars. His housekeeper said he was a very excitable man, had a dread of burglars, and always slept with a revolver under his pillow. Asked if he was intoxicated, she said she was no judge of such matters. Prisoner was committed for trial."

Incredibly, he was found not guilty of shooting to do grievous bodily harm and assault. However, the excitable gentleman next turns up being admitted to Bethlehem Hospital - otherwise known as Bedlam - psychiatric hospital in Bromley, London, on 7 Feb 1900, the supposed cause of his insanity being alcohol. The record states that he was married, but living separate from his wife, pursuant to a deed of separation. William Edward Bright died, aged 39, in 1901 J Quarter in WESTMINSTER Volume 01A Page 313.

In 1901, Susie Bright (38) Widow, Living on own means, was living in Frith Lane, Kings Lane, Great Missenden, Amersham, Buckinghamshire with A C Heckman (16) Son, Single, Mechanical Engineer from Loughton, Essex. (There is no subsequent birth in 1885, so I can only assume this is her 18 year old son, Archibald Carl Heckmann. If so, he was double-counted, pretending to be 21 with his wife in Wandsworth. Had he not told his mother he married?) And John Edward Edmonds (40), who has been transcribed as Brother, but I'm sure he was then a Boarder. Well, I certainly hope so, because ...

In 1903, John Edward Edmonds married Susie Bright, in Marylebone, London.

In 1911, John Edward Edmonds (52) Clerk in Shipping from Loughton, Essex, was living in Horndon on the Hill, Essex, with Susie Edmonds (50) and visiting them were John Henry Napoleon Heckmann (32) Marine Engineer and Dorothy Emily Heckmann (28) (As John Henry Hickman and Dorothea Emily Thorne, they had married at New Ferry, Cheshire on 27 Apr 1904.)

In 1921, at Brig-Y-Don, Orsett Road, Horndon on the Hill, Essex, were John Edward Edmonds (59) Clerk, and Susie Edmonds (59).

Napoleon John Henry Heckmann pre-deceased his mother, on 19 Aug 1933.

In 1939, John Edmonds (b. 11 Oct 1859) Documentary Clerk Retired and Susie Edmonds, were living at 36 Basildon Drive, Basildon.

John Edward Edmonds died, age estimated as 83, in 1944 J Quarter in EPPING Volume 04A Page 329 and was buried on 17 Jun 1944 at the church of the Holy Innocents, High Beach. There's an amusing note on the burial record which states "In the grave of Mrs's first husband. West End Church." 

Susannah Edmonds of Beech View, Lippett's Hill, High Beech, Loughton, Essex, died the following year, aged 86, on 23 Jan 1945 (1945 M Quarter in EPPING Volume 04A Page 439) and was buried on 27 Jan 1945, also at High Beach. She left £599 1s 3d. Probate was granted on 1 Nov 1945 to Grace Vivian Garrett (wife of William Thomas Garrett) attorney of Archibald Carl Heckman. This suggests she knew her son was alive, all along.

Sunday, 31 January 2021

Daniel Soames Reeve and Martha Hobbs Day

Walkern : Parish Church
of St Mary the Virgin

cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jim Osley - 
geograph.org.uk/p/6869182
Daniel Soames Reeve (b. Daniel Soames, 1852 D Qtr in DAVENTRY Volume 03B Page 85, as his parents didn't marry until 1857), son of William Reeve and Maria Soames, married Martha Hobbs Day (b. 24 May 1845 in Cambridge), daughter of John Day and Ellenor Hannah Wilton, in the 4th quarter of 1880, in Royston, Hertfordshire.

Daniel and Martha had one daughter:
  1. Ellen Maria Reeve b. 2 Jan 1884 (1884 M Quarter in HERTFORD UNION Vol 03A Page 474), bap. 27 Apr 1884 in Walkern, Hertfordshire. Birth record confirms mother's maiden name DAY and the baptism record lists Daniel's occupation as Groom.
In 1881, Daniel S Reeve (29) Groom was living in Water Lane, Kneesworth (Bassingbourn cum Kneesworth), with Martha Reeve (33) Dressmaker and Ellen Day (64) Mother (Martha's mother), Widow, Dressmaker.

In 1891, Daniel S Reeve (38) Groom, Martha Reeve (41) and Ellen Reeve (7) were living in Odsey, Ashwell Road, Guilden Morden.

In 1901, Daniel Reeve (49) Groom, Martha Reeve (52) and Ellen Reeve (17) were at The Lodge Farm, Burlington Lane, Chiswick.

In 1911, Daniel Soames Reeve (60) Tram Washer, living at 20 Duke Road, Chiswick, with Martha Reeve (66). This record confirms that they had been married 31 years and had one child, who was still living. (Ellen Maria Reeve had married Walter Ernest Oliver in Brentford, Middlesex, in 1902)

In 1921, Daniel Reeve (68) Tram Washer for London United Tram Co Ltd, and Martha Reeve (76) were living at 64, Duke Road, Chiswick.

Martha Reeve died, at 76, in 1921 S Qtr in BRENTFORD Vol 03A Page 61.

Daniel Soames Reeve died, aged 86, in 1938 J Quarter in BRIXWORTH Volume 03B Page 112. (In 1939, his son-in-law and daughter were living in Nether Heyford, so one assumes Daniel had been living with them.)

Saturday, 2 January 2021

Alfred John Day and Alice Louisa Gaunt

Southwark Bridge Rd
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/3400009

Alfred John Day (b. 4 Jan 1852 in Henlow, Bedfordshire), son of John Day and Ellen Wilton, married Alice Louisa Gaunt (b. 1861 in Lambeth, Surrey), daughter of Henry Gaunt and Mary Ann Holt, in Southwark, in 1881. 

Alfred and Alice Day had thirteen children:
  1. William Alfred Gaunt b. 1879 J Quarter in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Volume 01D Page 79. (Thereafter listed as William Alfred Day.)
  2. Alfred James Day b. 1880 S Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D. Died 1880 S Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D Page 55
  3. Arthur Henry Day b. 24 Apr 1882 in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 75
  4. Alfred Wilton Day b. 1884 M Qtr in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 57
  5. Alice Florence Day b. 14 Sep 1885 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D 870
  6. Herbert Day b. 11 Jun 1887 in CAMBERWELL Volume 01D Page 864
  7. Frank Edwin Day b. 2 Oct 1888 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 878
  8. Walter Daniel Day b. 25 Mar 1890 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 830
  9. Sydney Frederick Day b. 2 Aug 1892 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D 915
  10. Fred Day b. 10 May 1894 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 886
  11. Ethel Mary Day b. 17 Jun 1896 in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 890
  12. Lillian Grace Day b. 31 Dec 1898 (1899 M Qtr CROYDON Vol 02A 260)
  13. Elsie Eleanor Day b. 1902 M Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A Page 288. Died 1902 S Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A Page 125
In 1881, Alfred Day (30) Compositor, Alice Day (21) and son, William Alfred Day (2), were living at 174 Southwark Bridge Rd, Southwark. 

In 1891, Alfred John Day (39) Traveller For Printing Machinery; Alice Day (33), William (11), Arthur (8), Alfred (7), Florence (5), Herbert (3), Frank (2) and Walter (1) were living in Evelina Road, Camberwell.

In 1901, at 10 Rosebery Ave, Thornton Heath, Croydon, we find Alfred (49) Journalist, Alice (41), William (21), Herbert (13), Frank (12), Walter (11), Sidney (8), Frederick (6), Ethel (4), Lily (2).

In 1911, Alfred Day (59), Journalist, was living at 116 Birchanger Road, South Norwood, with  William (29), General Warehouseman, Arthur (27), Printer's Machinist, Florence (25), Walter (21), General Clerk, Fred Day (16), Motor Mechanic's Assistant, Ethel (14) and Lily (12). Wife, Alice Day (51) born in Lambeth, married for 32 years, was listed at 89 Crowther Road, South Norwood. That record confirms they had 13 children, with 11 then living.

In 1921, Alfred John Day (69) Journalist, it appears, writing for Baker and Confectioner, an “independent newspaper and trades journal”, was living at 12, Torridge Road, Thornton Heath, Croydon with Alice Day (61), Arthur Day (39), Sydney Day (28), Ethel Day (25) and Lillian Day (22).

Alice Day died aged 64, in 1924 J Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A Page 377.

In 1939 Alfred J Day (b. 4 Jan 1852) Bakery Trade Journalist, was still living at 12 Torridge Road, Croydon, with Horace L and Ethel M Langridge. (Horace Leonard Langridge had married Ethel Mary Day, daughter of Alfred John Day, Journalist, at Croydon, Holy Saviour, on 23 Jul 1921.)

Alfred John Day died, aged 93, in 1945 M Qtr in CROYDON Vol 02A 938.

Henry Wilton Day and Emmeline Emma Sell

St John the Evangelist Church, London SE1
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Christine Matthews - geograph.org.uk/p/4377468

Henry Wilton Day (b. 1843 in Buntingford, Hertfordshire), eldest son of John Day and Ellen Wilton, married Emmeline Emma Sell (bap. 2 Jul 1840 in Barkway, Hertfordshire), daughter of John Sell and Mary Drage, in the 4th quarter of 1867, St John the Evangelist, in Lambeth (Waterloo). 

  1. Frank Henry Sell b. 1866 J Quarter in HITCHIN Volume 03A Page 276. Mother's maiden name blank, as illegitimate birth. Thereafter used Day.
  2. Emma Day b. 1868 S Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 23
  3. Ellen Day b. 1872 M Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 18
  4. William Day b. 1874 S Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 23
  5. Mary Day b. 1877 D Qtr in SAINT SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 22
  6. Alice Day b. 1881 M Qtr in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 20
  7. Harry Day b. 1884 M Qtr in ST SAVIOUR SURREY Vol 01D 25
In 1871, in Farnham Place, St Saviour Southwark, where Henry W Day (27) Railway Porter from Royston, Herts; Emmeline Day (30) from Barkway; Frank Henry Day (5) birthplace Hitchin and Emma Day (2) born in Southwark.

In 1881, still at 2, Farnham Place, St Saviour, Southwark were Henry Day (37), Railway Porter, Emma Day (40), Frank Day (15), Ticket Writer, Ellen (9), William (6), Mary (3) and Alice (0), as well as two boarders: Henry Garrett (26), General Labourer, and George Griffin (17), General Porter. 

Likewise, in 1891, they were still living in Farnham Place, Southwark. Henry Day (48) Sorters Clerk, with Emma (50), daughter Emma (22), Box Maker, William (16), Alice (10) and John Clifford (51), lodger. 

[Emmeline] Emma Day died, aged 56, in 1897, in Southwark. 

In 1901, at 70, Linnell Road, Camberwell, were Henry Day (58), Widower, Railway Porter, Mary Day (23), Alice Day (20), Lady Clerk, daughter Emma Pocock (32), widow; granddaughters: Elsie Pocock (4) and Lily Pocock (2).

In 1911, Harry W Day (67), Pensioner and Former Booking Clerk, Widower, was living at 17 Rignold Road, Camberwell, with his widowed daughter, Emma Pocock (40) Elsie Pocock (14) and Lilian Pocock (12). 

Henry Wilton Day died, at 71, in 1915 M Quarter in CAMBERWELL. 

John Day and Ellenor Hannah Wilton

View from Market Square in Hitchin, with St Mary's Church in the background
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Lucas - geograph.org.uk/p/989830

John Day (b. 27 Dec 1820, bap. 25 Mar 1821 in Hitchin) son of Squire Day and Sarah Hobbs, married Ellenor Hannah (Ellen) Wilton (b. 5 Aug 1812, bap. 11 Jan 1829 in Royston, Hertfordshire), daughter of Stephen Wilton and Elizabeth Hankin, in Royston, Hertfordshire, in 1842. 

John and Ellen Day had six children: 
  1. Henry Wilton Day b. 1843 D Quarter in ROYSTON BUNTINGFORD Volume 06 Page 563
  2. Martha Hobbs Day b. 24 May 1845 (1845 J Quarter in CAMBRIDGE Vol 14 Page 12), bap. 17 Apr 1872 at St Mary The Great, Cambridge
  3. Ellen Day b.  1847 S Quarter in THE HITCHIN UNION Vol 06 Page 487 (Died, aged 9, in 1857 M Quarter in HITCHIN Vol 03A Page 160)
  4. Sarah Ann Day b. 1850 M Quarter in THE HITCHIN UNION Volume 06 Page 575. (Died 1850 D Quarter in HITCHIN Volume 06 Page 373)
  5. John Alfred Day b. 4 Jan 1852 (1852 M Quarter in BIGGLESWADE Volume 03B Page 336)
  6. Arthur Stephen Day b. 1855 J Quarter in HITCHIN Vol 03A Page 216
In 1851, John Day (30) Cabinet Maker Journeyman, Ellen Day (32ish) Dressmaker, Henry W (7), Martha H (5), Ellen (3), George Day (29) Master Tailor (John's brother) and Caleb Burrows (15), Lodger, lived in Dead Street, Hitchin - later renamed Queen Street, but that didn't improve it much. Dead Street was compared to the worst slums of London. Even in 1919: “Some houses had earth floors. The windows and doors were small and in a few cases the only window downstairs opened to a passage where there was no light and very little air. The only bedroom was like a stable loft, reached by a decrepit stairs or a ladder. Tea chests served as tables and 5 or 6 children in one bed was not unusual. It was very much survival of the fittest.

In 1861, living in Church Yard, in the same squalid, underworld area, of which was said, "Although the area was central, the whole district was taboo for the rest of Hitchin’s inhabitants." ... were John Day (41) Cabinet Maker Journeyman; Ellen Day (46), Henry Day (17) Butcher Journeyman; Alfred Day (9) and Arthur Day (6). Martha Day (14) was a House Maid in the household of Frederick Gillum (27), Cabinet Maker, in Sun Street, Hitchin

In 1871, listed as Helen Day (sic) (57) Dressmaker, Married; and Martha Day (24) Dressmaker, were living in Melbourne Street, Royston, Hertfordshire, while Alfred J Day (19) Reporter and Arthur S Day (15) Photographic Artist, were living with their grandfather, Squire Day (74) Upholsterer and Lodging House Keeper, in Back Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

In 1881, Ellen Day (64) Widow, Dressmaker, Mother was living with Daniel Reeve (married to daughter Martha) in Water Lane, Kneesworth. (John Day had clearly died by 1881. It's possible he'd already died by 1871. Perhaps his death was the motivation for Martha's baptism in 1872, however, it hasn't been possible to isolate a suitable death in the relevant period.)

Subject to confirmation, it appears that Ellen Day died, with age estimated to 71, in 1889 M Quarter in HERTFORD UNION Volume 03A Page 278.

These pages are a work in progress. Follow That Page can monitor changes, as further research is done. Where something is unconfirmed, I've tried to make this clear, but include the information as it may provide further clues.

General Register Office (GRO) references for births and deaths, where appropriate, are quoted, so that you can more easily locate certificates. I do not routinely purchase certificates for any other than my direct ancestors, which I'm willing to share. If you have information, certificates, etc., you can offer, please get in touch.