Jane Willis (1843 – 1888)

Jane Lewington was born in 1843 in Bagnor, the daughter of James and Isabella, nee Wheatley, Lewington. In the 1851 census Jane was living with her parents, brothers Moses aged 10 and James aged 6 and sister Eliza aged 2 in Donnington. Her father James was an agricultural labourer and her brother Moses a bird keeper.

Ten years later in the 1861 census Jane was still living with her parents in Donnington village along with siblings Moses aged 20, James aged 16, Eliza aged 14, John aged 10, George aged 5 and William aged 2. Jane was recorded as a servant, her father James an agricultural labourer, Moses a groom servant, and her brother James a fishmonger.

The family was still living in Donnington village in the 1871 census, Jane was recorded with her parents and brothers John and George. Jane was recorded as a laundress, her father James a labourer, John a groom and George was unemployed.

Later in 1871 Jane married James Willis in Newbury. James was born 1839 in Newbury, son of James and Sarah, nee Shapcott, Willis. In the 1871 census he had been living with his parents and sister Rhoda in Speenhamland and was a tailor.

Sadly, James died in November 1871 aged 32 and was buried on 26 November 1871 at St Mary the Virgin in Speen.

In the 1881 census Jane was living with her parents in Donnington village along with her son James aged 8 and daughter Kate aged 5. Her father James was recorded as a gardener but Jane had no occupation recorded.

Jane died on 19 March 1888 at Newbury Workhouse, she was recorded as a resident of Shaw cum Donnington. Her age was recorded as 38 although she was 44 or 45. Her age was under recorded in the 1881 census, although she was 38 it was recorded as 36. Jane was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 22 March 1888.

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