William Salter (1826 – 1876)

                                    Eliza Salter (1820 – 1881)

William Salter was born circa 1826 in Newbury and baptized on 13 August 1826 at St Mary in Greenham. His parents were John Salter and Mary Dance who had married on 10 February 1823 at St Mary in Thatcham.

In the 1841 census William with his parents John and Mary along with siblings Sarah, John, Frederick and George were living in Cheap Street in Newbury with John senior recorded as an agricultural labourer.

On 31 October 1848 William appeared before Newbury magistrates and was found guilty of stealing a truss of hay belonging to his master William Duck. He was found guilty and as he had already served 3 months in jail he was sentenced to three weeks hard labour. Over the years William seemed to have a few run ins with the police, in April 1865 he was charged with being drunk and riotous conduct and was found guilty and fined 16s 6d including costs.

In the 1851 census William with his parents and his brothers Frederick and George were living in Factory Yard off Cheap Street in Newbury with John recorded as an agricultural labourer, William an ostler and Frederick and George both errand boys.

William along with his parents John and Mary were still living in a Yard off Cheap Street in Newbury in the 1861 census with John and William both recorded as bricklayer’s labourers.

Another case in the Borough petty sessions arose in April 1867 when Elizabeth Gingell accused William (better known as “Blood” Salter) of ill-treating her. They had been cohabiting for 19 months in Steamer Yard, Cheap Street. The previous day when Wiliam arrived home after working all day and expected tea to be ready but Elizabeth was not present and everything was in disarray. He immediately went out to try to find her in one of the three public houses where she was likely to be and found she had just left for home. On returning home Elizabeth was sitting on a chair with beer beside her. After exchanging words blows were exchanged although William stressed he was just defending himself and did not strike the first blow. Elizabeth was unable to give a coherent explanation of events due to the alcohol. She did have various cuts and scratches as well as two black eyes. The case was dismissed. Elizabeth was locked up until the following Wednesday, she was already in arrears for a fine and costs for drunkenness from the previous October.

It appears the couple reconciled as William married then married Eliza (she appeared to use this rather than Elizabeth) Gingell later in 1867 in Newbury. According to censuses Eliza was born circa 1821 in Newbury but at present no further details of her have been found.

William died on 22 May 1876 and was buried on 26 May at Newtown Road Cemetery. An announcement appeared in the Newbury Weekly News dated 25 May 1876 as below.

SALTER – May 22, at Rolfe’s Yard, Newbury, William Salter, aged 52 years.

In the 1881 census Eliza was recorded as living by herself at 4 Clare Place in Newbury and her occupation was upholstress.

Eliza died on 4 November 1881 and was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 8 November. An announcement appeared in the Newbury Weekly News dated 10 November 1881 as below.

SALTER – Nov. 29, at Clare Place, Newbury, Eliza Salter, aged 62.

An inquest was held into Eliza’s death at The Dolphin Inn. Eliza was working at Joseph Hopson’s and arrived at work at 8.30. Eliza and the forewoman Elizabeth Finch were making cushions together and worked until quarter past nine. Eliza then coughed three times, brought up blood and died with ten minutes. It was stated the deceased was of sober habits. The jury returned a verdict of “Death from the rupture of a blood vessel.”

William’s parents John and Mary were buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 2 December 1867 and 31 October 1874 respectively and his brother Frederick on 21 March 1907.

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