Charles Seward (1849 – 1927)

                                    Mary Jane Seward (1853 – 1937)

Charles Seward was born in 1849 in Crookham, Thatcham, the son of Charles and Janetta (but known as Jane), nee Copp, Seward. He was baptized on 3 June 1849 at St Mary in Thatcham. Charles was recorded with his parents and siblings in the 1851 census in Thatcham and in 1861 in Crookham where he was recorded as an agricultural labourer aged just 12. In the 1871 census Arthur was living as one of 15 servants in a house in Ascot Road in Winkfield in Berkshire, his occupation was recorded as a helper.  

Mary Jane Webb was born in 1853 in Kingsclere, the daughter of Richard and Eliza, nee Breakspear, Webb. She was recorded with her parents and siblings in the 1861 and 1871 censuses at Goose Hill in Kingsclere. Her father Richard was recorded as a farmer of 8 acres in both censuses.

Charles and Mary Jane married on 15 September 1880 at St Paul in Ashford Hill. In the marriage record Charles was recorded as a servant living in Wimbledon while Mary Jane was living in Kingsclere Woodlands.

In the 1881 census Charles and Mary along with Mary’s mother Eliza Webb were living at Wolverton near Kingsclere with Charles recorded as a domestic servant.

Just a few months after the census Charles and Mary had a daughter Evangeline who was born on 7 August 1881. A son Percy followed on 10 November 1883 followed by a daughter Daisy Ella on 16 September 1885. All the children attended St Nicolas Church of England school. The family moved often, in May 1889 when Evangeline started at the school they were living in Stroud Green but by October 1890 they were in East Fields in Newbury.

I the 1891 census Charles and Mary along with the three children Evangeline, Percy and Daisy were living at the Adam & Eve public house in Greenham with Charles now a grocer.

Ten years later in the 1901 census Charles and Mary along with son Percy and daughter Daisy had moved to 8 Belvedere Terrace in Newbury. Charles was a waiter, Percy a printer’s apprentice and Daisy a dressmaker.

Charles and Mary along with daughter Daisy Ella were recorded living in two rooms at 11 Church Almhouses in Newtown Road in both the 1911 and 1921 censuses. Charles had retired by the time of the 1911 census while Daisy was recorded as a dressmaker in both censuses.

Charles died in June 1927 aged 78 while living at 74 Newtown Road in Newbury and he was buried in Newtown Road Cemetery on 22 June.

Mary Jane died in November 1937 aged 84 while living at 37 Michaels Road in Newbury and she was buried in Newtown Road Cemetery on 15 November.

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