Joseph Willis (1788 – 1863)

Joseph Willis was born circa 1788 in Newbury

In the 1841 census Joseph was living in Northcroft Lane in Newbury and a tailor. Also, in the house was Henry Willis aged 14 also a tailor, his daughter Elizabeth Curtis aged circa 35 and a laundress and his granddaughter Elizabeth Curtis aged 15.

Ten years later in the 1851 census Joseph was recorded in Bartholomew Street as a widower, a tailor and almshouse man along with his granddaughter Elizabeth Curtis, now aged 25.

In the 1861 census Joseph was living in Elkins Yard off Bartholomew Street with his daughter Ann Hale, her husband Charles Hale and his daughter in law Emma Nalder. Joseph was a tailor and Charles a carrier.

Joseph Willis died in June 1863 and was buried on 10 June 1863 at Newtown Road Cemetery.

Joseph’s daughter Ann Hale was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 10 September 1866 aged 55. She had been found drowned in the river Kennet on 4 September.

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