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The Early Years
He was born on 27 August 1881 in Hungerford. His parents were Thomas and Ann Maria Jessett (nee Ruddle) and his father at the time was a Bricklayer and the Publican of the Royal Exchange (now The Downgate) Hungerford. *
His father died in 1884 and his widowed mother took over the licence. He started working life as a Bicycle Mechanic.
He married his first wife Kate Louisa Salmon on 25 December 1905 at St. John’s Church, Newbury, and he set up a Fish and Chip shop in the High Street, Hungerford. They had 6 children.
World War 1
At the age of 35 he enlisted into the Royal Flying Corps on 26 October 1916. On 1 December 1917 he was promoted Air Mechanic 1st Class and his trade Fitter (Eng.). He was transferred to the R.A.F. Reserve on 27 March 1919 and discharged on 30 April 1920.
Between the Wars
He returned to Newbury and lived at 1 Prospect Terrace and then 38 Pelican Lane. He was a well-known local entertainer/ventriloquist who was much in demand at parties such as those arranged by Toc H for old folks.
He was a great favourite with the children with his doll “Joe”. For a time he was an A.A. Scout.
His wife Kate Louisa died in 1933 and by 1935 he was living at 5 St. George’s Avenue.
He remarried in 1938 to Elsie May Giddings and they lived at 12 Salcombe Road, Newbury.
World War 2
Being on the R.A.F. Reserve List, he was called up for duty and appointed as a Class E Reservist with the rank of Corporal.
Before Christmas 1940 he became very distressed after an incident which occurred at his station. Whilst at home on sick leave he took his own life believing that he would be shot on returning to his unit when, in fact, he was due for a promotion.
At the inquest his Commanding Officer said he was a hard worker, efficient at his work and very popular among his fellow men.
The funeral took place on Wednesday 1st January 1941, the Rev. R. S. Wilkie, R.A.F., officiating.
Amongst the mourners were his widow, children and many members of his family.
The Group Captain and Members of his section represented the R.A.F.
*
from the Hungerford Virtual Museum.
In the 1877 Kelly Thomas Jessett was a beer retailer in Park Street, and his widow Mrs Anne Jessett in 1895.
1893 (from an Abstract of Title) "..a beer house formerly called The Spotted Cow. Tenant Thomas George Jessett, who was followed by his widow Mrs Anna Maria Jessett until c1930.
The 1900 Cosburn confirms that this was at the Royal Exchange, and her name is recorded in the 1911 and 1915 Kelly.
An Abstract of Title for the property, dated 1893, refers to the "Royal Exchange" as "a beer house formerly called the Spotted Cow". The tenant at the time was Thomas George Jessett, who is recorded in the 1924 and 1928 Kelly Directories as a beer retailer in Park Street . Thomas Jessett was followed by his widow Mrs Anna Maria Jessett, who held the licence until about 1930.
In 1925 Messrs Ushers acquired the pub and from the time Mrs Jessett left, a manager called Cook was installed until 1934, when the licence was taken by George Robinson. The rent was £8 per annum. George Robinson is recorded as licensee in the 1935 Kelly.
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