Martha Willis (1837 – 1875)

                              Her parents William (-1852) and Ann Purdue(-1864)

Martha Purdue was born circa 1837 in Newbury, the daughter of William and Ann, nee Groves, Purdue. In the 1841 census Martha was living with her parents, brothers John aged 13 and sister Louisa aged 15 in Cheap Street in Newbury. Her father William was a hairdresser.

Ten years later in the 1851 census Martha was recorded her father William along with sister Louisa and brother John at St Mary’s Hill in Newbury. William was still a hairdresser, Louisa a milliner, John a servant while Martha was recorded as a scholar. Her mother Ann was living as a servant in Donnington Road in Speen and her occupation was a nurse.

Martha’s father William Purdue died in the following year aged 56 and he was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 13 November 1852.

In the 1861 census Martha was recorded living as a servant at Goldwell House in Speen, her occupation was housemaid.

Martha married George Willis on 4 August 1862 at St Giles in Reading. Her address at the time of the marriage was Speenhamland. George was born circa 1837 in Newbury, and was a tailor at the time of the marriage living in St John’s Street in Reading.

Martha and George had six children, all born in Reading, who were George (1864), Harry & Fanny (twins 1866), Kate (1867), Annie (1868) and Louisa (1870). Sadly, three died as infants and were all buried at London Road Cemetery in Reading. They were Fanny, buried 26 February 1867 aged 14 months, Kate buried 3 December 1867 aged 14 weeks and Louisa buried 14 March 1871 aged 11 months.

In the 1871 census Martha and George with children George, Harry and Annie were living in St John’s Street in Reading, George was recorded as a tailor.

George died in February 1872 aged 34 and was buried at London Road Cemetery in Reading on 23 February 1872.

Martha Willis died 3 January 1875 and was buried on 8 January 1875 at Newtown Road Cemetery. An announcement appeared in the Newbury Weekly News dated 7 January 1875 as below.

WILLIS – Jan. 3, at Northcroft Lane, Newbury, Martha Willis, aged 35.

Martha’s mother Ann Purdue died in December 1864 and was buried 14 December 1864 at Newtown Road Cemetery.

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