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Jean Baptiste Tardif
c1834-1886
Jean was a Hairdresser/Barber. He was born c1834 in Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
His wife Hannah Burgess was baptised on the 31st January 1830 in Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire, the daughter of Francis and Charlotte Burgess (nee Cooper) who were married on the 14th July 1821 in Bucklebury, Berkshire.
Jean and Hannah were possibly married in Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony, South Africa as records show the following two children were born there.
Charles Martell Green born c1863 in Cape Colony, Fort Elizabeth, South Africa
Eliza M Norton Tardif born c1866 in Cape Colony, Fort Elizabeth, South Africa
(Hannah was possibly married to a Mr. Green before she married Jean no marriage found for Hannah and Mr. Green or Hannah and Jean yet!)
By 1867 the family were living in Speenhamland.
The following article appeared in the Newbury Weekly News on the 8th August 1867.
J. B. TARDIF, a native of Charleston, South Carolina but lately from Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony, having undisputable testimonials as a Barber, has opened a HAIR-CUTTING and SHAVING Establishment, next door to the Pelican Hotel, Speenhamland, where he hopes to give satisfaction to all who may honor him with their kind support.
Other known children of Jean and Hannah were:
Charlotte Elizabeth Tardif born 1868 in Newbury
Jean Baptiste Tardif born 3rd October 1869 in Newbury
Marie Euphemia Tardif born c1871 in Newbury
Alfred Euin Tardif born 2nd January 1873 in Newbury
The 1871 census records Jean living in Speenhamland, Newbury, Berkshire with Hannah and their children, Charles Martell Green (8) (recorded as Jean’s stepson) Eliza (5), Charlotte (3), Jean Baptiste (1) and Marie (3months).
The following article appeared in the Newbury Weekly News on the 18th August 1872
J. B. TARDIF
BARBER, SPEENHAMLAND
Begs very sincerely, on this the fifth anniversary of his commencing business in the town, to thank his town and country customers and the public generally for their support, and respectfully solicits a continuance of the same in the future.
J. B. T. thanks his hair cutting customers for having kindly consulted his convenience by calling during the week, instead of leaving it till Saturday night, when he is always busily engaged in shaving.
Their daughter Charlotte died aged 12 in 1880, she was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 25th October.
The family were still living in Speenhamland when the 1881 was taken.
Hannah Tardiff died aged 55 in 1885, she was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 9th January.
Jean Baptiste Tardif died aged 52 on the 30th June 1886, he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 3rd July.
The following appeared in the Newbury Weekly News on the 1st July 1886
THE LATE MR. TARDIF. – In the death of Mr. Jean Baptiste Tardif of Speenhamland, the town is deprived of a well-known character. Tardif was proud of his Spanish descent of which he spoke much. He settled in Newbury some twenty years since, and has always commanded a large circle of customers, for he was a very good barber, and many resorted to his establishment for the purpose of listening to his expositions on all subjects. For nothing suited Tardif better that a contentious customer, and woe betide those who were patiently awaiting their turn, for frequently the harangue would extend itself indefinitely. In doctrinal argument Tardif followed a peculiar line of thought, and very often would pause in the delicate operation of shaving to refer to Holy Writ in support of his views. There are some who immensely enjoyed “drawing” Tardif, and many are the practical jokes to which he has been subjected. Of late Tardif’s health has developed signs of consumption. He continued to attend to his business until Tuesday evening, and his sudden death yesterday morning was a shock to his family and a grief to many by whom, notwithstanding his peculiarities, he was respected. As he had been under medical treatment no inquest will be necessary.
The following article appeared in the Newbury Weekly News on the 19th August 1886
J. B. TARDIF
Begs to inform the numerous customers of the late J. B. TARDIF
HAIRDRESSERS &CO., Oxford Street, Newbury
that by owing to the kindness of many Friends he is able to carry on the Business of his late Father, and hopes by strict attention to the public to merit and obtain a share of their patronage. A trial is solicited.
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